Lanzarote Heat Warning: Orange Health Alert Issued From Sunday
Lanzarote is set to experience another spell of unusually high temperatures, with health authorities activating an orange-level warning from Sunday, 13 September. Residents and visitors are being urged to take extra care as temperatures rise across the island.
Anyone planning to spend time on the beaches, exploring Lanzarote, enjoying outdoor activities or working outside should take the heat warning seriously, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
The Canarian Health Service (SCS) has activated a Level 2 orange health-risk warning for Lanzarote because of the expected episode of extreme temperatures. The warning is aimed particularly at vulnerable people and anyone exposed to the sun or heat for prolonged periods.
When does the Lanzarote heat warning begin?
The Lanzarote orange health warning starts on Sunday, 13 September 2026.
At the time of the announcement, health authorities said it was not yet possible to confirm how long the warning would remain in place, with the situation expected to be reassessed as updated weather information becomes available.
This means anyone living in Lanzarote, or arriving on holiday over the coming days, should keep an eye on the latest Lanzarote weather forecast and official health advice rather than assuming the warning will end after one day.
What does an orange health warning mean?
The Level 2 orange warning indicates a moderate health risk for vulnerable people, including those aged over 65 or people with conditions that can make them more susceptible to heat.
There is also a significant risk for members of the general population who spend prolonged periods in the sun.
For older people who have additional risk factors, the health risk can be considerably higher.
The warning therefore isn’t intended to stop people enjoying Lanzarote. Instead, it is a reminder to adapt plans during the hottest period and avoid unnecessarily prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
Lanzarote weather: beaches are expected to be busy
For tourists, the timing of the warning is particularly relevant because September remains a popular month for a Lanzarote holiday.
AEMET’s forecast for El Reducto Beach in Arrecife showed a maximum temperature of around 32°C for Sunday, with the conditions described as hot. The forecast also showed a UV index of 8 and sea temperatures around 24°C.
That means the weather may look perfect for a day at the beach, but visitors should remember that comfortable conditions beside the sea don’t necessarily mean there is no heat risk.
A swim in the sea can also create a false sense of security. You can still become dehydrated or suffer from excessive sun exposure while spending time around the coast.
Who needs to take particular care?
The health authorities have highlighted a number of groups who may be more vulnerable during periods of high temperatures.
These include:
- Babies and children under four
- Pregnant women
- People aged over 65
- People with respiratory, cardiovascular or kidney conditions
- People with high blood pressure
- People with diabetes or severe obesity
- People taking certain medications
- People with reduced independence or cognitive difficulties
- Anyone carrying out strenuous exercise outdoors
- People working outdoors
- People without adequate shelter
- Anyone spending prolonged periods outside for work, sport, leisure or tourism
That final point is particularly important for Lanzarote tourists, as sightseeing, walking, cycling, hiking and excursions can mean spending several hours outside.
Tips for staying safe in Lanzarote’s heat
There are some simple ways residents and holidaymakers can reduce the effects of the Lanzarote heat.
Drink before you feel thirsty
Keep a bottle of water with you when heading to the beach, sightseeing or travelling around the island. Health authorities also recommend avoiding excessive alcohol, caffeine and sugary or energy drinks during periods of extreme heat.
Avoid the strongest sunshine
Where possible, limit prolonged exposure to the sun around the middle of the day.
If you’re planning a walk, hike or other physical activity, consider doing it early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when conditions are more manageable.
Don’t overdo exercise
Lanzarote is fantastic for outdoor activities, but an orange heat-health warning isn’t the time to push yourself.
Cycling, running, hiking and other strenuous activities should be shortened, moved to cooler parts of the day or postponed if conditions become uncomfortable.
Look after children and older relatives
Children can become overheated quickly, while older people may be more susceptible to heat-related illness.
Make sure vulnerable family members are drinking regularly and have access to shade, cool indoor areas or air conditioning where available.
Keep your accommodation cool
Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day and use fans or air conditioning where available.
Health advice also recommends refreshing the body with cool water and spending time in cooler indoor environments when necessary.
Calima could add to the discomfort
There is another factor to watch during the coming days.
The forecast includes the possibility of calima affecting the eastern Canary Islands, including Lanzarote, from Monday.
Calima can reduce humidity and alter how temperatures feel, while also potentially making heat-related symptoms worse for some people.
For anyone visiting Lanzarote, this is another reason to check the daily forecast before heading out for long periods.
Know the signs of heat-related illness
Don’t ignore symptoms simply because you’re on holiday.
Possible signs of heat-related problems include:
- Extreme thirst
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Abnormal body temperature
- Palpitations
More serious symptoms can include fainting, seizures or loss of consciousness.
If someone becomes seriously unwell, seek medical assistance. In an emergency in Lanzarote, call 112.
What should tourists do during the Lanzarote heatwave?
For anyone staying in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Arrecife or elsewhere in Lanzarote, the same basic advice applies: drink plenty of water, seek shade, use sun protection and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest hours.
Lanzarote residents should take precautions too
It’s easy for people who live here to become accustomed to the sunshine, particularly after years of living with Lanzarote’s warm climate.
However, an official orange health warning for high temperatures in Lanzarote is a reminder that extreme heat can affect anyone.
People working outdoors, exercising, gardening, carrying out building work or spending long periods in the sun should consider changing their routine while the warning is active.
Keep checking the latest Lanzarote weather forecast
The health warning is based on forecasts supplied by AEMET and the Ministry of Health, and the duration can change as new information becomes available.
So, if you’re visiting Lanzarote this weekend, keep checking the forecast before setting off and pay attention to any further updates from the authorities.
September may still feel like summer in Lanzarote, but during periods of extreme heat, a little planning can make all the difference.
