Tenerife is on alert for a high risk of solar ultraviolet radiation for five days, from July 13 to July 17. Two municipalities, Vilaflor de Chasna and Santiago del Teide, will experience extreme risk levels, while the rest of the island will remain at a very high level, according to available health and meteorological information.
The Canary Islands Government's Health Department, based on data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), is coordinating the Plan of Preventive Actions against Ultraviolet Radiation. This plan establishes recommendations to mitigate the effects of sun exposure, which remains at very high and extremely high values across the Archipelago.
In Vilaflor and Santiago del Teide, altitude, high insolation, and atmospheric conditions contribute to intensifying UV radiation exposure. The remaining municipalities in Tenerife also present a very high risk, which can cause skin and eye damage if adequate protective measures are not taken. Aemet provides specific predictions for the ultraviolet radiation index for the Canary Islands.
The ultraviolet index measures the intensity of solar radiation. At very high and extreme levels, the time required to suffer sunburn is significantly reduced, particularly affecting fair-skinned individuals, children, the elderly, outdoor workers, athletes, and those with certain pathologies or photosensitizing treatments. Protection is necessary even on cloudy days, as cloud cover does not eliminate UV risk, and surfaces like sand or the sea can reflect radiation.
The risk situation extends to other Canary Islands. On La Palma, the risk is extreme in Tijarafe, Puntagorda, El Paso, and Barlovento. In El Hierro, El Pinar de El Hierro and Valverde are at extreme risk. La Gomera has extreme risk in Alajeró. In Gran Canaria, most municipalities are at extreme risk, except for Gáldar, Agaete, and La Aldea de San Nicolás. Fuerteventura registers extreme risk in Betancuria, while Lanzarote and La Graciosa remain at very high risk.
Health authorities recommend avoiding direct sun exposure during the central hours of the day, especially between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. If going out is unavoidable, seeking shade, wearing clothing that covers the skin, a wide-brimmed hat, and approved sunglasses with UV protection are advised. The use of sunscreen with a protection factor of 50 or higher is crucial, applied generously before exposure and reapplied every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
Excessive UV radiation exposure can cause immediate effects like sunburn, eye irritation, and in the long term, premature skin aging, cataracts, macular degeneration, and various types of skin cancer. It can also affect the immune system. Prevention is urged for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients.
