The high temperatures we are experiencing both in the air and in the Mediterranean are not a one-time occurrence. These past few days there have been a series of heatwaves in an environment that is getting warmer as time goes by. The sea and the night-time, which traditionally helped moderate these temperatures, are no longer as efficient for this purpose as we enter the midsummer heat period, statistically starting around 15 June in Spain. This situation can result in periods of even more intense heat, but also in potentially violent thunderstorms usually more common during the spring.

In these situations, we must not go into panic. Keeping calm, being informed and taking simple measures can make a great difference. Preventing consequences is still the best self-protection tool.

Listening to official alerts

The first recommendation is to follow the forecasts and warnings issued by the National Meteorology Agency (AEMET) and by Civil Protection. Weather alerts exist to anticipate risky situations and allow citizens to adopt preventive measures with enough time.

Regularly checking the weather forecast is incredibly important, especially when planning outdoor activities, trips or stays at costal and mountain zones, as well as locations near cliffs and ravines.

Protecting ourselves from extreme heat

High temperatures pose a risk to our health, especially for elderly people, minors, pregnant women and people who suffer from chronic diseases.

These basic recommendations are still incredibly useful:

• Avoiding exposure to the sun during the central hours of the day.
• Staying hydrated even if not feeling thirsty.
• Wearing loose and light-coloured clothing.
• Keeping houses cool and aired out.
• Reducing intense physical activities to a minimum during the hours of most heat.
• Paying special attention to vulnerable people who live alone.

Maximising forest fires prevention

The heat, dry vegetation and the wind notably increase the risk of forest fires, which is why it is essential:

• Not to light fires outside of the authorised zones.
• Not to leave cigarette butts or wastes in nature.
• To avoid any work that may create sparks in days of elevated risk.
• To respect the restrictions established by the competent authorities.
• To call the emergency service phone number (112) immediately in case of columns of smoke or forest fire attempts.

Acting rapidly during the first minutes of a forest fire can prevent a large-scale emergency.

Preparing for storms and floods

The combination of a very warm Mediterranean climate and an atmosphere charged with humidity may result in heavy rain episodes, strong gusts of wind and sudden floods.

Civil Protection recommends being aware of the risks in the areas where we live and preparing basic self-protection measures.

Among the main recommendations, we find:

• Not going through cliffs, ravines, or flooded areas.
• Not driving on roads covered in water.
• Avoiding outdoor activities when there is risk of heavy storms
• Checking gutters, drains and exterior elements in houses.
• Knowing emergency phone numbers and ways to evacuate.

Being aware of flood risks in your area

The app InfoAgua is an especially useful tool to check which zones are in risk of flooding, not only in the area we live but also our holiday destinations.

It is recommended to check if our home, workplace or holiday destination is among the zones in risk of suffering flood return periods of 100 or 500 years. This kind of cartography does not indicate that a flood will occur exactly each 100 or 500 years, but it does give a specific statistical probability of it happening.

However, it is important to remember that adjacent zones may also be affected. Transforming urban territory, modifying riverbeds, occupying territories, as well as changes in raining patterns can result in water reaching places where there had not been floods for decades.

Therefore, besides cartographical limits, caution is still indispensable.

Appealing to a sense of community

Sadly, we have no good news regarding the evolution of the recent climate. These periods of extreme heat are increasingly frequent, the Mediterranean is registering abnormally high temperatures, and tropical nights are becoming in a common occurrence. Extreme heat in the Mediterranean: higher risks regarding health, fires and violent weather events

This does not mean we must live in fear, but we do need to promote prevention measures more. Just as we prepare a trip or we check our vehicle before going on long journeys, climate self-protection must become one of our daily habits.

Information, anticipation and caution are still the best tools in our arsenal to protect ourselves, because the reality is that our territory and sea are going through heatwaves more frequently. Which is why, although no one can foresee exactly when the next extreme heat episode will come, we must prepare ourselves as much as we can to face it.

Relevant official links

Civil protection – Self-protection before in case of risks and emergencies https://www.proteccioncivil.es/coordinacion/gestion-de-riesgos/autoproteccion

Informative guide for citizens: natural disasters http://www.uv.es/uvsostenible/catastrofes.pdf

AEMET – Weather forecasts and warnings https://www.aemet.es

National Cartography System for areas in risk of flooding https://sig.mapama.gob.es/snczi

InfoAgua App App infoAGUA

Emergency services phone number 112.112 Valencian Community - 112CV - Valencian Government

València + Segura. Recommendations for citizens Special information for emergencies | València City Hall - València

Prevention and Environment UV Service Measures for working outdoors in high temperatures and for heat strokes