Vitoria (EFE).- The heat has been felt intensely in the Basque Country and many towns have exceeded 35 degrees. The maximum has been given in Llodio with 38 degrees at the Gardea weather station.
The highest values are located precisely in two neighboring counties: Ayala, in Álava, and Las Encartaciones, in Bizkaia. In this area, in addition to the aforementioned 38 degrees in Llodio, 37.5 have been recorded in Saratxo (Amurrio), 37.5 in Orozko and 37.2 in Sodupe.
The heat has also been intense in other parts of Álava such as Zambrana, where the mercury has risen to 37 degrees, Nanclares with 36.2 and Abetxuko, in Vitoria, with 34.9.
In Bizkaia, as well as in Las Encartaciones, temperatures have been very high in Iurreta (36.6), Igorre (36.2) and Elorrio (35.7), among other points; while in Gipuzkoa the highest values have been in Arrasate (36.6), Lasarte (36.4) and Miramon, in San Sebastián (35.3).
The heat episode will last a few hours
This episode of high temperatures, which has led the Security Department to activate a yellow notice between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., will not continue. In fact, throughout the afternoon a turn of the wind to the northwest is expected, which will favor a drop in temperatures.
The drop of between 8 and 10 degrees will begin in the west and on the coast and gradually slide east and inland, where at 6:30 p.m. it is still very hot.
In any case, the World Meteorological Organization has warned that global heat will continue for the next two weeks and could last until August.
In times of high temperatures, the Department of Health advises, among other guidelines, to drink water without feeling thirsty, protect yourself from the sun and avoid physical exertion that generates intense sweat to prevent the effects of heat.
These recommendations are especially relevant in the case of people who belong to risk groups such as the chronically ill, children and the elderly.
It is not convenient to drink drinks with caffeine, alcohol or too much sugar because they do not quench thirst and make you lose more body fluids, nor is it convenient to eat greasy and excessively abundant meals since they make it difficult to adapt to the heat.
Eat vegetables to recover mineral salts
On the other hand, it is advisable to increase the consumption of salads, vegetables and fruits, since they will contribute to replenishing the mineral salts that are lost through sweat.
At home you should close the windows and lower the blinds on which the sun shines, take advantage of the moments of less heat to ventilate and cool the house and use a fan if you have one. If you still feel very hot, it is convenient to cool your body with water, especially your face and hands.
On the street you should avoid being in the sun during the central hours of the day, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. It is also not advisable to make great physical efforts and if there is no other choice but to work in full sun, it is essential to cover your head and wear light, highly breathable clothing, as well as drink 2 to 4 glasses of fresh water per hour.
Precautionary measures should be taken with the most fragile people such as babies, the elderly and the sick and someone should never stay in a parked and closed vehicle, even if it is in the shade.
Elderly people, especially those who live alone or are dependent, may find it difficult to adopt protective measures, so it is advisable to visit them at least once a day.
In the case of heat stroke (red, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, intense headache), keep the person in a cool place, cover the head and armpits with wet and cold compresses, and give them water to drink with salt and baking soda. If he is unconscious and vomiting, tilt his head to keep his airway clear and call 112.