The new heatwave is here: five tips to survive it (better)

Catalonia is in the midst of a new heatwave – the third since the start of summer – and this Wednesday will experience its highest peak, when temperatures will soar significantly. In many parts of the pre-coastal area, Central Catalonia, Ponent, and the Ebro valley, it will be a scorching day, with highs reaching or exceeding 40°C. In fact, Meteocat has extended yellow and orange alerts for intense heat to many regions, and has even activated the red alert – the highest – for the Barcelona pre-coastal area. with highs reaching or exceeding 40°C. Indeed, Meteocat has extended yellow and orange alerts for intense heat to many regions, and has even activated the red alert – the highest – for the Barcelona pre-coastal area.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common and frequent in the country, making it necessary to reinforce habits to prevent their effects. According to data from the Information System for the Surveillance of Infections in Catalonia updated this Tuesday, Catalonia has registered 4,454 episodes of people affected directly or indirectly by the heat between May 1st and this week, of which more than half are due to heatstroke (51%). A good reason, then, to review the basic advice for dealing with heatwaves.

Drinking water, the best ally for protection

The first advice to avoid heatstroke is to hydrate continuously, especially vulnerable people such as the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses. In extreme temperature conditions, it is especially important to drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. However, beyond water, it is also important to watch your diet and opt for light meals such as salads, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid hot meals. Alcoholic beverages should also be avoided, as they increase dehydration.

Avoid going out on the street or exercising during peak sun exposure hours

It is advisable to avoid going outside during peak sun exposure hours, i.e., between 12 PM and 4 PM, and to postpone any physical activity until early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are milder. Outdoors, it is recommended to seek cool, sun-protected areas, walk in the shade, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. One must also be cautious during car journeys during the hottest hours and never leave children or pets inside a vehicle with the windows closed.

Seek climate shelters

Climate shelters are public spaces that serve to provide a place of shade and water for those who do not have air-conditioned housing in extreme weather situations. This year, the Barcelona City Council has set up more than 500 spaces where it is guaranteed that the temperature will not exceed 26 degrees. These are public spaces such as libraries, civic centers, schools, parks and gardens, or museums.

Protecting your home from high temperatures

It is important to keep the home cool and, to do so, experts recommend lowering the blinds in areas of the house where the sun hits during the day and only opening the windows early in the morning and at night. This way, thermal insulation will be forced. It is also advisable to use some type of air conditioning to cool down, such as a fan or air conditioning. However, one must try to keep the temperature stable and not lower it suddenly. The comfort temperature should be 26°C.

Protect yourself from the heat during torrid nights

Meteocat has activated the alert for night heat in this new heatwave. Beyond the suffocating daytime atmosphere, Catalonia will experience warm nights in many regions. Experts recommend opening all the windows of the house at night to ventilate it. To cool the bedroom environment, it is important to close the blinds during sunny hours and only open them at night. In addition, heat sources must be avoided and any electronic device turned off or disconnected, and left outside the bedroom. To lower body temperature, it is also advisable to shower with lukewarm (not cold) water before going to bed, as well as using light and breathable cotton sheets.