Brits travelling abroad for their summer holidays have been warned that temperatures in some of the most popular Spanish destinations have hit sweltering highs.
Temperatures in the Canary and Balearic Islands are due to be much higher than normal for the next three months, sparking a heatwave warning from the health department. Local authorities on both islands have also launched an emergency heat prevention plan, set to last until September, ChronicleLive reports.
While hot and sunny weather may sound ideal for us Brits, who are used to a cool and rainy climate, extra care should be taken for those travelling to any Canary or Balearic destinations. Being accustomed to a much cooler climate could make Brits more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Those at the most risk of developing heat stroke, according to the NHS, are the very young and the older population. Children under two, very elderly people and people with kidney, heart or circulation problems should take extra care and avoid the sun when it is at its hottest.
Aemet, the Spanish state’s meteorological agency, expects that there is a 60 percent chance that the Canary Islands will be warmer than usual this summer. They have given a 70 percent chance that the same will apply to the Balearic islands.
Temperatures are already expected to reach 42C this weekend and these high temperatures would make any sort of outdoor activities very difficult for even the most sun-hardened of tourists.
A surveillance system to assess the impact of the high temperatures on the health of the population has been put in place, and local healthcare centres are on high alert to deal with a potential influx of patients affected by the unusually warm weather.
A health spokesperson from the Canary Islands said: "These actions are intended to increase individual prevention capacity to face the heat in the Canary Islands by applying measures that are easy and accessible. All the hospitals and the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) have staff designated and specially trained to deal with and effectively coordinate the services in the event of a possible heatwave, as well as the established communication channels."
Advice for avoiding heat exhaustion and heatstroke includes drinking plenty of cold drinks and taking cool baths or showers. Though many people will be keen to get away and sip cocktails by the pool, you may want to rethink this plan - as avoiding the midday sun and excess alcohol and also advised.
The sun is at its strongest between 12pm and 3pm, so you may want to plan activities indoors or in the shade during these hours. You should also avoid "extreme exercise" according to the NHS, who also advise wearing light coloured and loose clothing, and sprinkling water on clothes and skin to stay cool.
Ruben del Campo, from Aemet, said: "The probability that the next quarter will be warmer than normal is very high." He also explained that a heatwave in Spain must last “three days at least” and “temperatures must be registered among the five percent of the warmest”, for it to officially be considered a heatwave.
The Canary and Balearic Islands are popular holiday destinations for passengers flying from Leeds Bradford Airport, with the airport offering flights to various resorts on the islands. Passengers can fly to Ibiza, Menorca and Majorca, in the Balearics; or Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria / Las Palmas, Lanzarote and Tenerife, in the Canaries.
In fact, there are a number of flights leaving the airport bound for Ibiza and Fuerteventura over the next few days.
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