EXTREME HEAT FORCES SCHOOL CLOSURES IN FUERTEVENTURA AND GRAN CANARIA AS CANARY ISLANDS TEMPERATURES SOAR
Parents across parts of the Canary Islands have been told to keep children at home today as an intense spell of hot weather brings potentially dangerous temperatures to the islands.
Schools across Fuerteventura and nine municipalities in Gran Canaria have suspended face-to-face teaching on Tuesday 15 September 2026, with online learning being used where the type of education allows it.
The decision has been taken because of the forecast for exceptionally high temperatures, with some areas of the Canary Islands expected to reach or exceed 37°C, particularly exposed areas of southern Gran Canaria. Temperatures are also expected to be particularly high in inland and southern parts of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
WHICH SCHOOLS ARE AFFECTED?
The suspension of face-to-face classes covers the whole island of Fuerteventura.
In Gran Canaria, the affected municipalities are:
• Agüimes
• Artenara
• Ingenio
• Mogán
• San Bartolomé de Tirajana
• La Aldea de San Nicolás
• Santa Lucía de Tirajana
• Telde
• Valsequillo
Where possible, lessons will continue online rather than being cancelled completely.
The Canary Islands Government has said that the situation will be reviewed according to how temperatures develop and further measures will be announced if necessary.
WHAT ABOUT SCHOOLS IN LANZAROTE?
For Lanzarote residents, there is an important distinction.
The announcement does not place all Lanzarote schools into the same closure measure announced for Fuerteventura. However, Lanzarote is very much part of the current Canary Islands heatwave, with the regional health authorities activating a Level 3 red health-risk warning for the island because of the extreme temperatures.
The latest information also indicates that temperatures in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are expected to be particularly high in inland areas and on southern-facing parts of the islands. The episode is also being accompanied by calima, which is expected to be more noticeable across the eastern province.
So while children in Lanzarote may still be attending school, families should pay close attention to any updates from their individual school and from the Gobierno de Canarias, particularly if the weather situation changes.
WHY ARE SCHOOLS BEING AFFECTED BY THE HEAT?
The Canary Islands has a specific protocol for dealing with extreme temperatures in schools. It is designed to protect pupils and staff when classrooms become excessively hot and includes options such as reducing the school day, changing activities, modifying timetables or moving teaching online.
Schools in areas not covered by the full suspension have also been reminded to take precautions. These include keeping pupils in cooler areas, reducing strenuous physical activity, encouraging regular hydration and making appropriate use of ventilation and shading.
Schools can also request exceptional measures, including an earlier finish. Where an early departure involves younger pupils, parental or guardian authorisation is required, and pupils cannot leave before midday under the protocol.
EXTREME HEAT ALSO MEANS EXTRA CARE FOR LANZAROTE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS
Although Lanzarote is famous for its year-round sunshine, extreme heat in Lanzarote can present a very different challenge from the normal warm weather experienced by tourists.
Visitors should take particular care during the hottest part of the day. Drinking water regularly, seeking shade and avoiding prolonged physical activity in direct sunshine are among the measures recommended by the authorities. Children, older people and anyone particularly vulnerable to heat need additional attention.
For tourists enjoying the beaches of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and other Lanzarote resorts, the combination of high temperatures and strong sunshine means it is sensible to take regular breaks from the sun, use appropriate sun protection and keep hydrated.
The authorities are also advising people to avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest hours and to spend as much time as possible in cool or shaded surroundings.
HOW LONG WILL THE HEAT LAST?
The current episode is expected to continue into the middle of the week, although conditions can change and the authorities will continue to assess the situation.
For residents, parents and holidaymakers in Lanzarote, the key message is to keep checking official weather and emergency updates rather than relying on a single forecast.
What may feel like a normal sunny day in the Canary Islands can become hazardous when temperatures climb into the high 30s, particularly for young children and older people.
If you're in Lanzarote this week, take the heat seriously, stay hydrated, avoid the strongest afternoon sun and keep an eye on local updates.
Extreme heat hits the Canary Islands as schools close across Fuerteventura and nine Gran Canaria municipalities. Latest heatwave advice for Lanzarote residents and tourists.
