Britons travelling to the Canary or Balearic islands have been warned that temperatures are likely to be much higher than normal over the next three months.
Aemet, the Spanish state’s meteorological agency, expects that there is a 60% chance that the Canary Islands will be warmer than usual this summer, while giving a 70% chance that the same will apply to the Balearic islands. Local authorities have launched an emergency heat prevention plan which is set to last until September 15.
While this might sound ideal for anyone who is in need of a bit of sun and plans on travelling to either holiday destination, temperatures are already expected to reach 42C this weekend. These high temperatures would make any sort of outdoor activities very difficult for tourists.
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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."
Britons who plan on visiting the Canaries this summer are advised to look up how they can protect themselves from the effects of the heatwave. The usual advice such as trying to stay in the shade as much as possible and hydrate yourself by drinking lots of water is always a good idea.
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.
