Extreme UV risk through Monday, the 25th

Public Health Raises UV Radiation Risk to “Extreme” in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura

The Directorate General of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), which coordinates the Preventive Action Plan against Ultraviolet Radiation in Health, has raised the ultraviolet (UV) radiation risk to “extreme” for the islands of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura until Monday, 25 May.

According to a statement from the Canary Islands Government’s Health Department, the risk will be “very high” in the municipalities of Arrecife (Lanzarote); La Aldea de San Nicolás, Agaete and Gáldar (Gran Canaria); and on the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.

Public Health also reminded that sun protection is a responsibility that must be maintained year‑round, not only in summer and even on cloudy days.

When the health risk from solar radiation exposure reaches this threshold (very high and extreme), it is advisable to emphasize daily use of sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher), stay in shaded areas during the midday hours, wear wide‑brimmed hats and clothing that covers the arms and legs, use appropriate sunglasses, and protect both adults and children from the sun.

Additional points highlighted by the Directorate’s experts:

• Cumulative damage: Excessive exposure and sunburns in childhood increase the risk of certain skin cancers many years—or even decades—later.
• Clouds do not block UV: On overcast days, solar rays still penetrate the clouds, although the perceived heat may be lower; the same applies when there is a breeze.
• Canary Islands lead Spain in UV levels: According to data from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the Canary Islands have the highest year‑round UV radiation levels in Spain.

UV radiation is emitted by the sun and artificial sources such as tanning beds, forming part of the invisible spectrum of sunlight.