Canary Islands schools reopen as heatwave eases but temperatures could still reach 34°C

The intense heat affecting the Canary Islands over recent days is expected to begin easing today, Wednesday 16th September, although temperatures could still reach around 34°C in some of the hottest parts of the archipelago.

The Canary Islands Government has downgraded the maximum-temperature situation across all of the islands to a pre-alert after the more intense conditions experienced at the beginning of the week.

Schools have reopened in Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria after yesterday’s closure, however, authorities are warning that the hot spell has not completely disappeared, and significant temperatures are still expected in inland areas and on slopes facing south and southeast.

According to AEMET, temperatures will fall generally today, with the reduction particularly noticeable in some of the areas that have experienced the most intense heat.

Maximum temperatures of between 30°C and 34°C are still expected across higher inland areas, away from the coast and on south and southeast-facing slopes.

Calima hasn't completely disappeared

There will also continue to be some light calima today.

The Saharan dust is expected to remain noticeable over the mountainous islands, particularly on southern slopes of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, although conditions should gradually improve.

Skies will generally be clearer or only slightly cloudy across much of the archipelago, although some cloud is expected around northern and eastern coastal areas of La Palma.

The overall picture is therefore considerably better than earlier this week, but residents and visitors should not assume that temperatures have immediately returned to normal.

The Government says the evolution of the episode will continue to be monitored until conditions have fully normalised.

What to expect across the islands

Tenerife:
Temperatures will begin to fall, but the south and southeast and higher inland areas could still experience temperatures around or above 30°C, with some hotter locations approaching 34°C. Light calima remains possible.

Gran Canaria:
Hot conditions continue particularly inland and on southern and southeastern slopes, where temperatures could still approach 34°C.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura:
Warm and mostly clear conditions continue, with temperatures potentially reaching the low-to-mid 30s. Calima will remain noticeable before gradually easing.

Despite the gradual improvement, people are still advised to remain hydrated, avoid unnecessary strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and take additional care if affected by respiratory problems while the calima persists.

The encouraging news is that the trend is now moving in the right direction, with the Government confirming a progressive reduction in the intensity of the heat episode compared with previous days.