The Canary Islands, situated off the northwest coast of Africa, are grappling with a meteorological anomaly as scorching temperatures shatter records and fuel the resurgence of a colossal wildfire on Tenerife. This typically temperate archipelago, characterized by perpetual spring-like conditions, has been gripped by a blistering heatwave, with some areas witnessing mercury readings nearing 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). In particular, Adeje in the southwestern region of Tenerife registered a sweltering 38.5°C, while Arucas in the northern reaches of Gran Canaria experienced 37.8°C, according to Spain’s meteorological authority, Aemet.
In response to the relentless high temperatures forecasted to persist, the Canary Islands’ Minister of Education, Poli Suárez, announced the suspension of classes on Wednesday and Friday, as Thursday is designated a public holiday in Spain. Suárez emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding the well-being of schoolchildren in the Canaries, as local reports have cited instances of students succumbing to heat-related ailments, including fainting and heatstroke.
Moreover, the relentless heat has contributed to the rekindling of a formidable wildfire in the northeast region of Tenerife. This destructive blaze, which initially ignited in mid-August, had been declared under control on 11th September but was never entirely extinguished. The inferno has continued to sporadically reignite in the same area due to shifting winds and the unrelenting heat. Approximately 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) of pristine woodland have succumbed to the flames over the summer.
In a relentless battle against this conflagration, about 100 firefighters, aided by a fleet of nine water-dropping helicopters, are engaged. The regional government of the Canary Islands issued a statement outlining the ongoing firefighting efforts. As regional leader Rosa Dávila highlighted, the challenge of battling the blaze is further compounded by the severe heat, rendering the extinguishing work arduous and fostering the potential for reactivations.
Regrettably, this oppressive heatwave is anticipated to persist until the approaching Sunday, underscoring the dire implications of global climate change. As the world grapples with escalating temperatures due to the climate crisis, scientists have issued dire warnings that such heatwaves will become increasingly frequent and intensify, underscoring the urgency of addressing the climate emergency.
