Canary Islands heatwave fuels fire alerts and sharp tourism decline

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has placed the Canary Islands under extreme fire‑risk alerts as a heatwave pushes daytime temperatures to 37‑40 °C, with low humidity and strong winds. Tenerife remains on an orange alert, while Gran Canaria is on a red alert with temperatures reaching 40 °C in some areas. Record highs were recorded at Tasarte (43.8 °C) and other sites across the archipelago, while night‑time temperatures stayed above 30 °C in several municipalities.

The heatwave has also prompted health authorities to issue driver‑safety recommendations, warning of fatigue, dehydration and increased accident risk. Meanwhile, tourism data show a sharp decline: from April to June 2026 the Canary Islands received 164,247 fewer international visitors—a 4.7 % drop compared with the same period in 2025. The average stay fell to 7.94 days and total tourist spending remained flat at €11.85 billion, pressuring airlines such as IAG (Iberia/Vueling), hotel operator Meliá Hotels International and airport operator Aena, all of which have significant exposure to the islands.