Canary Islands Issue High-Level UV Radiation Alert Through August 3

The Canary Islands’ Public Health Department has issued a high-level ultraviolet (UV) radiation alert for most of the archipelago. The warning is in effect from Thursday, July 30, through Monday, August 3, and serves as a reminder that these intense conditions require ongoing caution.

Government experts warn that many people mistakenly believe cloud cover offers protection from the sun. In reality, clouds do not effectively filter UV rays, and this false sense of security often leads people to skip sun protection, increasing the risk of skin and eye damage.

In Tenerife, the areas of Vilaflor de Chasna and Santiago del Teide are at maximum risk, while the rest of the island remains at a very high-risk level. A similar pattern is seen across the other islands. While most municipalities in El Hierro, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and La Graciosa are at an extreme risk level, some specific areas—including La Frontera, parts of La Palma, Alajeró in La Gomera, and La Aldea de San Nicolás, Agaete, and Gáldar in Gran Canaria—are currently forecast at a very high level.

Health officials emphasize that the effects of UV radiation build up over time. Beyond immediate sunburn, long-term exposure can lead to premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.

To stay safe, authorities recommend the following:

• Avoid direct sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible.
• Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with certified UV protection.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.

For sunscreen to be effective, it must be applied correctly and reapplied every two hours, or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. These precautions are especially important for children, the elderly, and those who work outdoors.