Temperatures are expected to soar past 40C in Spain, leading to experts warning against alcohol and coffee
Temperatures are expected to soar past 40C in Spain(Image: Getty Images)
Spain welcomes 17 million Brits every year, with the bulk of them coming during the summer months to enjoy a cup of coffee or, more likely, several drinks of beer.
However, the nation is urging caution from doing so, as temperatures are already in the high 30Cs and could soon blow past 40C.
Now, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has warned that multiple regions could be enveloped by the sweltering temperature, with both the northern and southern regions placed on orange alert.
Read more: Drivers face £100 fines after cyclists send 15,000 videos to police
The warning is particularly aimed at those heading to Andalusia, and the city of Cordoba, as it is preparing to battle the brunt of the heatwave.
It’s resulted in Spain’s Ministry of Health issuing a public warning advising the public to stay sober.
Health officials said: “Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can worsen dehydration during heatwaves.”
Sipping a cold, crisp lager might seem like a good idea at first, but alcohol is dehydrating, potentially leading to some disastrous consequences in such hot weather.
The public has been advised to remain sufficiently hydrated by drinking water regularly.
They have also been urged to wear light clothing, stay out of the sun and avoid strenuous exercise.
The main concern is heatstroke, which is caused by a cocktail of high heat and lack of hydrating liquid.
The NHS warns: “Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.”
The 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
The NHS also recommends four steps to follow is someone you know is dealing with heat exhaustion.
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.
Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too.