Following a UK Foreign Office weather alert for the Canary Islands, a local resident has shared a firsthand account of the scorching temperatures.
The alert was issued due to a high risk of « abnormally high temperatures » and « dry, warm air » forecasted for the region.
Spain’s meteorological agency, Aemet, has issued severe red warnings for large areas of the islands, with the hazardous conditions expected to persist over the weekend. Southern parts of Tenerife and Fuerteventura are of particular concern.
A Tenerife resident took to TikTok to share a weather update, describing the temperature as « melting hot ». In the video, he said: « So, a little weather update; it’s stunning today, starting off, it’s just blue sky absolutely everywhere.
« It’s already 24 degrees, 9am in the morning. It’s going to be a hot one, reaching temperatures of 29-30 degrees today. 1st of December, 30 degrees. Really can’t go wrong, can you? The ocean today, as well, is flat as a pancake, so perfect for all your water sports and boat trips and everything. »
He added: « There literally isn’t a cloud in the sky so happy 1st of December. Hope you’ve opened your selection box. If you have in Tenerife, you’ve probably opened it to a little pool of melted chocolate because it is roasting over here. »
Many fellow Brits expressed their excitement over the high temperatures in the comments section, with their getaways approaching – but the risks associated with the heatwave should not be ignored.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a stark warning to Brits holidaying in Tenerife as the risk of forest fires remains high due to unusual weather conditions. While most areas are expected to see a reduction in danger by Monday (December 2), southern parts of Tenerife continue to face localised risks.
The current hot and dry climate, atypical for this time of year, heightens the potential for fires to spread rapidly across the archipelago. Regions situated above 1,000 meters in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, along with southern zones above 400 meters, are particularly vulnerable.
Travellers have been urged by the UK Foreign Office to keep abreast of local weather updates from reliable sources and avoid any actions that could exacerbate fire risks, such as using open flames or carelessly discarding lit cigarettes. Additionally, they should be cautious not to leave items like glass bottles unattended, which can concentrate sunlight and start fires.
The Foreign Office’s advice is clear: « Report Emergencies: Dial 112 immediately to report any signs of fire. Early intervention is crucial to minimizing damage. »
It also emphasises the importance of heeding evacuation orders, advising tourists: « Follow Evacuation Orders: Be prepared to evacuate quickly if instructed by local authorities. »
In 2023, in response to the severe drought conditions, exacerbated by the hottest and driest April on record, the Spanish government sanctioned a €2.2bn (£1.9bn) package aimed at supporting farmers and consumers affected by the ongoing water scarcity.
Environment minister Teresa Ribera has sounded the alarm on the escalating climate crisis, stating: « Spain is a country that is used to periods of drought but there’s no doubt that, as a consequence of the climate change we’re experiencing, we’re seeing far more frequent and intense events and phenomena. »
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