Home » Spain Travel News » Urgent Warning In Spain’s Canary Islands Four Vital Actions For Tourists Amid Rising Risk Levels

Saturday, June 28, 2025

The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands has raised an urgent alert for Gran Canaria, highlighting two major risk factors that have triggered increased vigilance across the region. A dual hazard warning has been issued, as extreme temperatures are forecasted to return over the weekend, affecting four islands in the archipelago. Meteorologists are predicting that temperatures could climb as high as 37°C in the coming days, adding a sense of urgency to the warning. Additionally, similar concerns have been raised across Spain, as the heatwave is expected to impact mainland areas, intensifying the need for preparedness and safety measures.

The alert addresses two primary concerns: the significant threat of forest fires and the impact of an intense heatwave. The measures being enacted stem from the INFOCA and PEFMA plans, both based on weather forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other specialized weather sources.

The initial alert has been triggered by the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Wildfires (INFOCA). Set to take effect at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, the plan targets areas in Gran Canaria located above 400 meters in altitude, where the risk of forest fires is particularly elevated due to a combination of dry conditions and soaring temperatures.

The second alert, based on the Canary Islands’ Specific Emergency Plan for Risks of Adverse Weather Phenomena (PEFMA), is triggered by the extreme heat expected to blanket the island in the coming days. The heatwave is expected to impact the summit regions as well as the eastern, southern, and western slopes of Gran Canaria, with temperatures forecasted to reach between 34°C and 37°C. These conditions pose significant risks to public health, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and increased fire hazards.

In addition to Gran Canaria, a pre-alert has been declared for the rest of the Canary Islands. However, La Palma and the northern parts of Tenerife below 700 meters are not currently included in the warning. The pre-alert status means that while these areas are not immediately threatened by extreme heat, they remain under close monitoring as conditions continue to evolve.

To mitigate the risks posed by these dangerous conditions, authorities have issued a series of safety guidelines. Outdoor activities are strongly discouraged, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. Additionally, activities such as agricultural burning, barbecues, and the use of machinery that may generate sparks are banned in high-risk zones. These precautions are vital to prevent the outbreak of wildfires in dry conditions, which are expected over the weekend.

Health and safety recommendations include staying hydrated, seeking shelter in cooler areas, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. It is also advised that individuals monitor updates from official emergency services, as the situation can change rapidly, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

The emergency services will be actively monitoring the situation throughout the weekend, assessing both the heatwave and the forest fire risks. As of Friday, Gran Canaria has entered a heightened phase of vigilance, with both residents and visitors urged to take immediate and necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

The authorities in the Canary Islands are prioritizing public safety as they respond to these extreme weather conditions. Given the significant rise in temperatures, it is critical that both locals and tourists heed the warnings and follow all safety measures diligently to avoid potential hazards. Ignoring these alerts could lead to serious consequences, including health issues from heat exposure and the devastating impact of forest fires.

As the weekend progresses, emergency services will continue to monitor developments closely, providing real-time updates to keep the public informed and protected. It is essential for everyone in the region to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions to prevent accidents and safeguard lives.

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Tags: canary islands, Emergency alert, extreme temperatures, forest fires, gran canaria, heat safety, heatwave, INFOCA, island weather, PEFMA, public safety, summer heat, weather alert, wildfire risk