Warning for Brits heading to popular holiday destination over 'extreme risk'

Authorities are warning that people should protect themselves from UV radiation year-round, as the Canaries can see levels hitting 10 or 11 even in winter

Travellers planning a trip to the Canary Islands are being alerted to an 'extreme risk' warning due to high levels of UV radiation in the area. The popular Spanish holiday destination is known for recording intense UV radiation, posing serious health risks.

Earlier this year, heightened UV levels were reported, and forecasts from Spain's meteorological agency AEMET suggest this could persist. The UV index, ranging from 0 (low risk) to 11+ (extreme risk), hit a staggering 12 in Gran Canaria, while other islands reached 11, as per the Express.

Eduardo García-Ramos, from the Public Health Directorate and coordinator of the UV Radiation Preventive Action Plan, compared the UV levels in the Canary Islands to those found in tropical regions, stating to Canarian Weekly: "UV radiation is increasingly penetrating the Earth's surface."

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This issue is thought to be aggravated by climate change affecting the ozone layer, which helps filter out some UV radiation.

As the UK enters the colder months, health officials are ringing alarm bells over UV radiation exposure in holiday hotspots. Even during winter, the Canary Islands can experience 'very high risk' UV levels of 10 or 11 on the World Health Organisation's scale, posing potential harm to unwary British tourists, reports the Mirror.

Those heading for some winter sun are urged by health chiefs to take serious precautions, such as avoiding the midday sun, wearing protective clothing and slapping on sunscreen if levels spike above eight. The WHO has voiced: "Encouraging people to reduce their sun exposure can decrease harmful health effects and significantly reduce health care costs."

With risks including not just severe sunburn but also eye damage and skin cancer, it's crucial for holidaymakers to stay informed and protected.