The Canary Islands Government has issued an "extreme" health risk warning for ultraviolet (UV) radiation across 29 municipalities, with the alert expected to remain in place until 6th July.

The warning has been issued by the Directorate General of Public Health through the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), based on data provided by AEMET under the region's UV Radiation Prevention Plan.

Health officials are urging both residents and visitors to avoid all direct sun exposure at any time of day in the affected areas.

Municipalities Under Extreme UV Alert

The following municipalities are currently classified as being at extreme risk from UV radiation:

Tenerife: Santiago del Teide and Vilaflor de Chasna.

Gran Canaria: Artenara, Tejeda, Moya, Teror, Santa Brígida, Valleseco, Vega de San Mateo, Valsequillo, Ingenio, Agüimes, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán.

Fuerteventura: Antigua and Betancuria.

Lanzarote: Teguise and Haría.

La Palma: Barlovento, Garafía, Puntagorda, Puntallana, Tijarafe, El Paso, Villa de Mazo and Fuencaliente.

El Hierro: Valverde and El Pinar.

La Gomera: Alajeró.

All remaining municipalities across the Canary Islands are currently classified as being at very high risk from UV radiation.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Public Health officials say that when UV radiation reaches extreme levels, the safest advice is to avoid exposure to the sun altogether, regardless of the time of day.

The Canary Islands experiences the highest year-round UV radiation levels in Spain, meaning sun protection is essential throughout the year, not just during the summer months.

Officials also remind the public that UV radiation increases at higher altitudes and can remain dangerously high even on cloudy or breezy days, when the heat may feel less intense.

Sun Safety Advice

Health authorities recommend:

• Avoiding direct sunlight wherever possible.
• Applying SPF 50+ sunscreen every day.
• Staying in the shade, particularly during the middle of the day.
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.
• Taking extra care to protect children, older people and anyone working outdoors.

Long-Term Health Risks

The Directorate General of Public Health warns that sun damage is cumulative, and excessive exposure, particularly repeated sunburn during childhood, can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Overexposure to UV radiation can cause sunburn, DNA damage, allergic skin reactions, suppression of the immune system and eye conditions if adequate eye protection is not worn.

It is also linked to several forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, as well as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

People with fair skin, light-coloured hair or eyes, a family history of skin cancer, those over the age of 50, and anyone taking certain medications—including some antibiotics, contraceptive pills and acne treatments—may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation.

With temperatures already rising across the Canary Islands this weekend, health authorities are reminding everyone that avoiding direct sunlight remains the most effective way to protect against the current extreme UV levels.