Santa Cruz de Tenerife activates the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU) Following the declaration of maximum alert due to high temperatures and risk of fires by the Government of the Canary Islands, and the update of the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) by the Council. The measure implies the suspension of all outdoor municipal events from 08:00 a.m. on August 9, including the Sunday Flea Market.
Authorities are urging the public to take extreme precautions in the heat., avoid outdoor activities during peak hours and follow official instructions. In addition, the capital woke up with a unusual advection fog, a phenomenon that reduced visibility in several parts of the city and is not related to episodes of Saharan dust.
Maximum alert and activation of the PEMU
The Department of Citizen Security formalized by decree the entry into force of the PEMU, which entails the cancellation of sporting and cultural events and outdoor leisure from 08:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, as well as the suspension of the Sunday Rastro 10 for August.
The objective of these actions is protect citizens and prevent fires, especially in natural areas of the municipality, in the face of a heat episode that could raise the thermometers between 35ºC and 40ºC generally and in interior areas.
Prohibitions and closures in force
With the update of the PEIN the restrictions in forest areas and public use: the use of the transit on trails and tracks for recreational purposes and access to spaces like Las Mesas Park, whose stoves were already closed.
In addition to the measures already known, the following are maintained: express prohibitions while the alert lasts:
- Lighting fires outdoors: bonfires, barbecues, stoves, and gas cookers.
- Smoking in recreational areas, camps and camping areas.
- Use fireworks or machinery that can generate sparks.
- Perform forestry operations or hunting activity.
- Circular with motor vehicles through the network of forest trails for recreational purposes.
These limitations are aimed at minimize ignition risks and reduce pressure on the natural environment, and will be maintained until the alert situation ends due to forest fires.
Health and self-care in the face of heat and haze
Health and Civil Protection recommend Avoid the direct exposure to the sun During the hours of greatest radiation, stay indoors fresh spaces and keep a good hydration, even without feeling thirsty.
It is advisable to use light, light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen generously and limit strenuous physical exercise. You should never leave minors, seniors or pets inside closed vehicles.
In the presence of calima it is advisable keep windows closed, avoid outdoor exertion, clean dust with wet cloths and seek humid environments; if respiratory symptoms worsen, call 1-1-2.
If any treatment is followed, it is suggested consult with medical personnel in case it is necessary to adjust the medication on days of extreme heat or high nighttime lows.
Mobility and access to Las Teresitas
Given the increase in travel to the municipality's coast, the Mobility area insists on the use of public transport to go to Las Teresitas beach and avoid traffic jams.
The City Council offers real-time data of the parking occupancy level in Las Teresitas, both from main parking lot (355 spaces) like the one located next to the sand (963 places), accessible on the municipal website: check the occupancy here.
Los access information panels They operate especially on weekends and holidays with good weather, in order to reduce queues and improve accessibility in this coastal enclave and gateway to the Anaga mountain range.
Advection fog: what it is and why it appeared in the capital
The morning left a advection fog image In Santa Cruz and points in the north of the island: a low layer that hid part of the skyline and caught the attention of those arriving to work.
This phenomenon originates when a mass of warmer, more humid air It slides over a colder surface, in this case the sea, and as it cools at its base condenses moisture, forming fog banks that can persist for several hours.
Aemet sources in the Canary Islands emphasize that It is not linked to the calima; the calima responds to the intrusion of warm air and suspended dust, while the advection fog is condensation of water vapor by thermal contrast and usually dissipates as the morning progresses.
Weather forecast and expected temperatures
The Aemet foresees maximum temperatures around 37ºC, with peaks that could reach 40ºC In Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands Government does not rule out local values of 41–44ºC in the interiors of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
At night they are expected high minimums in midlands and interiors, which can be located between 25 and 30ºC, which increases heat stress and requires strengthening personal protection measures and adequate rest conditions.
However, the City Council reiterates the call for caution: Follow official warnings, avoid risks in the natural environment, and plan trips to the coast in advance, checking traffic and parking occupancy to minimize waiting times.