A sunbathing warning has been issued to tourists in Spain as parts of the country brace to be hit by a 40C heatwave. Unusually high temperatures have swept across Europe in recent weeks, causing wildfires and several deaths.
Turkey, Greece and Cyprus were among the worst-hit by the recent heat surge, while six cities in Spain were placed on ‘red alert’ last week. Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva, Jaen, Seville and Badajoz were the subject of extreme heat warnings issued by Spain’s State Meteorological Agency and some regions are still experiencing peak temperatures in the high 30s and early 40s.
As well as heightening the risk illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, UVB rays in direct sunshine can cause damage to skin and increase the likelihood of skin cancers such as melanoma. To minimise skin damage, experts have warned holidaymakers not to sunbathe after 11am until after 6pm, as the sun’s position in the sky is lower and therefore more dangerous to skin.
Read more: Majorca introduces new ban ‘between 11pm and 4pm’
During this peak seven-hour window, people are advised to stick to shady areas, wear protective clothing and apply sun cream regularly. The British Red Cross has echoed warnings to avoid activities in the sun during the middle of the day and urged Brits travelling to Europe during the ongoing heatwave to ‘wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and drink less alcohol’.
William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: “Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life.
“High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.”
He added: “We would advise people to plan ahead for the effects of heat on their trip, making sure they know how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. “They should also avoid activities in the middle of the day when temperatures are highest.
“Other safety tips include wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and drinking less alcohol. You can also help keep wherever you’re staying cool by keeping blinds and windows closed during the hottest parts of the day.”
Copernicus, the EU’s climate service, says there is an up-to-70 per cent chance that this summer will be one of the hottest 20 per cent on record for the country. Last year was the hottest globally since records began, while Europe’s hottest year in 2022 claimed around 11,300 lives in Spain.
In an effort to prevent heat-related deaths, Spain’s Ministry of Health has released a new map to provide more accurate heat alerts. The map breaks the country down from 52 provincial areas into 182 zones and details the temperature thresholds that can prove fatal.
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