UK holidaymakers face 'extreme risk' in two Spanish islands amid high temperatures

Daily Record

a day ago

Officials have issued a weather warning about the fire hazards in certain parts of Mallorca and Menorca after temperatures soared
Tourists heading to the beloved islands of Mallorca and Menorca are being advised to remain vigilant following an extreme weather warning. Temperatures are set to rise, increasing the likelihood of wildfires on these Spanish isles.
The the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) for the Balearic Islands broadcasted a cautionary message on June 13. On X, itv said: "EXTREME or VERY HIGH in areas west of Mallorca. VERY HIGH or HIGH in Menorca."
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Additionally, AEMET has put out yellow alerts for intense heat in Mallorca from Friday through Sunday, during the hours of 12pm to 7pm, with the thermometer expected to peak at about 36C. Both islands are popular with British holidaymakers, drawing in roughly 2.5 million UK visitors each year.
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Staying safe in extreme heat
As reported by the LiverpoolEcho, the NHS explains that more people than usual get 'seriously ill or die' during heatwaves. The main risks during hot weather are:
Not drinking enough water (dehydration)
Overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
People who are most vulnerable to the heat include:
Older people – especially those over 75 and female
Those who live on their own or in a care home
People who have a serious or long-term illness including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease or some mental health conditions
People who are on multiple medicines that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather
Those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer's disease
People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top-floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside
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The health body issued advice on how to stay safe in the heat. It said: 'Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
'Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
'Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down.
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'Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.'
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
Tiredness
Dizziness
Headache
Feeling sick or being sick
Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin
Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
Fast breathing or heartbeat
A high temperature
Being very thirsty
Weakness
If someone is displaying symptoms, you need to move them to a cool place, remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks, get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water, and cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them.
If they don't call down within 30 minutes you need to call for emergency medical assistance as this could be heatstroke