Tourists visiting Spain are being cautioned as the country grapples with a heatwave that has led to approximately 212 reported deaths within a few days. The fatalities, as per the Majorca Daily Bulletin, are linked to the extreme heat Spain is experiencing as the first heatwave of the year commenced last Sunday and is now gradually subsiding. The central and northern regions have been most affected by the intense weather conditions, with Wednesday, June 24, recording the highest number of excess deaths at 96.
Diana Gómez, a scientist at the National Centre for Epidemiology (CNE), mentioned that these figures are preliminary and may stabilize in about a week.
British tourists in Spain are advised to reduce alcohol intake during hot spells. The Ministry of Health in Spain highlighted the importance of avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages as they can exacerbate dehydration during heatwaves. Alcohol, being a diuretic, can increase urine production, leading to dehydration, especially when the body is already losing fluids through sweating in hot weather, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Both tourists and locals are reminded to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even if not feeling thirsty, wear light and breathable clothing, seek shade in cool areas, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours. The UK’s Foreign Office advises monitoring severe weather warnings from the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services, particularly during the summer months.
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