The Canary Islands are bracing for temperatures up to 40C, a heatwave that the archipelago’s Health Department has described as “an anomaly” for this time of year. The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to residents and tourists that one island in particular is experiencing extremely high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The alert follows data from Spain’s national meteorological agency (AEMET), which has triggered an extreme UV risk warning for Tejeda, Artenara, and Valleseco on Gran Canaria, lasting until May 11. The rest of the archipelago remains at a very high UV risk, an unusually severe scenario for this time of year. “It’s an anomaly for spring,” said the Canary Islands Health Department, according to Canarian Weekly, “as extreme UV warnings are normally issued in summer.”
The alert comes as the heatwave is expected to bring daytime temperatures of up to 40C and nights around 30C, significantly increasing the health risks associated with sun exposure.
The Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), which oversees the region’s UV radiation prevention plan, is urging residents and visitors, especially those inland or engaging in outdoor activities, to take extra precautions.
The agency has issued detailed guidelines to mitigate the health impacts of UV radiation.
“Protection from the sun is a year-round responsibility,” the SCS explained, “not just something to think about during summer beach visits, cloudy days still pose a risk.”
Among their recommendations are to apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every two hours, stay in the shade between 11am and 5pm and use wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. They also warned never to expose infants under 12 months directly to the sun.
According to the latest AEMET data, the Canary Islands experience the highest year-round levels of UV radiation in Spain.
UV radiation can cause DNA damage, sunburn and immune suppression, as well as increasing the long-term risk of developing skin cancers, such as melanoma and basal or squamous cell carcinoma.
Even on cooler or overcast days, UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning care should still be taken. Those with fair skin, light eyes and hair, or a family history of skin cancer, as well as people over 50, are especially vulnerable.