ARCHIVED - Orange alert as temperatures set to exceed 39 degrees in Alicante province
"High heat" warning for much of Alicante province.
Valencia's Council of Universal Health and Public Health has activated an orange heat alert today, Friday, July 23, with temperatures expected to exceed 39 degrees in much of the region, including most of Alicante province, over the next 48 hours.
A rise in temperatures is also forecast by Spain's met agency, Aemet, with Mercury expected to rise to 38 degrees on Saturday, specifically in the Vega Baja municipalities of Orihuela, Torrevieja, Pilar de Horadada and Rojales.
The predicted increase in temperatures has prompted a warning over the risks to those most vulnerable to heat, specifically the elderly, people with chronic diseases, those who work outdoors, and children.
The government's health experts are advising against going outside during the hottest hours of the day, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing and a cap or hat.
Whilst at home, it is advisable to close the blinds and lower the awnings on facades exposed to the sun, and to try to remain in the coolest areas of the house.
"People are urged to drink water frequently, even if they are not thirsty; avoid excess alcohol and beverages with a lot of caffeine; and replace large and hot meals with cold dishes, fresh fruits and vegetables", the public health council adds.
To establish a public health intervention alert, a high or extreme risk level (orange or red) must be detected for at least two consecutive days. The following municipalities in Alicante province are expected to experience the "highest heat" over the next 48 hours:
Alcoy; Alfafara; Alcocer de Planes; Algres; Algueña; Almudaina; Agost; Aspe; Banyeres de Mariola; Beneixama; Beniarrés; Benilloba; Benillup; Biar; Campo de Mirra; Cañada; Cocentaina; Elda; Gaianes; Gorga; Hondon de las Nieves; Hondon de los Frailes; Lorcha; Millena; Monforte del Cid, Monovar, Muro de Alcoy; Petrer; Pinoso, Planes; la Romana; Salinas; Sax; and Villena.
IMAGE: Aemet