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Spain braces for first big heat of the summer as health officials issue warning
From closing blinds at midday to old-school cooling tricks, traditional Spanish summer habits are making a comeback
It may only be May, but parts of Spain are already preparing for temperatures above 30 degrees this weekend, with health authorities urging people to take extra care during the first major burst of summer heat.Officials are advising residents to pay particular attention to babies, young children, older people and anyone with underlying health conditions that could worsen in high temperatures or dehydration, including cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic illnesses.
The Region of Murcia has already activated its annual heat prevention and monitoring plan, which runs until September 30 as part of Spain’s National Plan of Preventive Actions against the Effects of Excessive Temperatures on Health.
The system uses colour-coded alerts ranging from level 0, meaning no risk, to yellow, orange and red warnings depending on the danger posed by the heat. A prolonged red alert represents an extreme risk for the entire population, especially vulnerable groups.
Health officials say the risks are not just linked to age or illness. People living alone, those in poorly insulated homes, outdoor workers and anyone exposed to prolonged heat through sport or leisure activities are also considered vulnerable during extreme temperatures.
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And while modern Spain may lean heavily on air conditioning, fans and weather apps, many residents are now rediscovering the old-school summer survival methods that helped families cope with the heat long before modern cooling systems became common.
The advice currently circulating online will sound very familiar to anyone who has spent a summer in a traditional Spanish home. Keep the persianas down before the midday heat arrives and leave them closed through the hottest part of the day. Open windows early in the morning and again later in the evening, helping to keep the house cool and shaded when temperatures peak.
Many of those traditional tricks are now also being recommended again, from placing bowls of water near open windows to using damp sheets or cloths indoors or in front of a fan to help cool the air naturally.
Experts say there is real science behind those habits. Lowering blinds between midday and 5pm can reduce indoor temperatures by 3 to 4 degrees by blocking direct sunlight and limiting the greenhouse effect caused by heated glass and surfaces inside the home.
Once temperatures begin to drop in the evening, usually around 6pm or 7pm, opening windows on opposite sides of the house can create cross ventilation and help release trapped heat naturally.
Health officials are also encouraging people to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, eat lighter meals with fruit and vegetables, and avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day.
If symptoms such as confusion, rapid pulse, fever above 39 degrees or loss of consciousness appear, medical attention should be sought immediately, as these can be signs of heatstroke.
Looking back, a lot of the habits passed down through Spanish households for generations suddenly seem surprisingly sensible. Keeping shutters closed, avoiding the afternoon heat and turning homes into cool, shaded spaces may not have looked glamorous, but they often worked remarkably well.
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