Heatwave and fire risk prompts double 'danger' alert on popular holiday islands
A double danger alert has been issued in the Canary Islands with extreme temperatures expected to return this weekend.
The warning affects four of the islands, with weather experts predicting the mercury will hit 37C within days. The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has also declared an alert situation on the island of Gran Canaria due to two high-risk factors.
It covers the extreme danger of forest fires, as well as the impact of an episode of high temperatures. Both decisions are based on the application of the INFOCA and PEFMA plans, activated by the forecast of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other specialised sources.
The first alert responds to the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Forest Fires (INFOCA). It will come into force from 8am on Saturday June 28, in areas located above 400 metres of altitude in Gran Canaria.
The second alert has been decreed under the Canary Islands' Specific Emergency Plan for Risks of Adverse Weather Phenomena (PEFMA).
In this case, it is an alert for extreme maximum temperatures, which especially affects the summit and the east, south and west slopes of Gran Canaria, where between 34C and 37C is expected.
In the rest of the Canary Islands, the pre-alert situation is declared, with the exception of La Palma and the north of Tenerife below 700 metres, which are outside the warning for now.
The areas most exposed to this heat episode:
North of Gran Canaria - temperatures between 26C and 32C
El Hierro, La Gomera, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and eastern, southern and western slopes of Tenerife - maximums of 30C to 34C
Summit and south of Gran Canaria - between 34C and 37C
In the face of this double alert, authorities insist on maximum caution. Outdoor activities in the middle of the day are discouraged and agricultural burning, barbecues and the use of machinery that can generate sparks in risk areas are prohibited.
In addition, it is recommended to hydrate frequently, stay in cool places, avoid prolonged sun exposure and be attentive to updates from official emergency services.
The situation will be re-evaluated depending on how the episode evolves over the weekend, but from this Friday, Gran Canaria enters the phase of maximum surveillance.
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