The Canary Islands often register very high levels of UV radiation that can be dangerous to humans and cause severe health issues.

Between Sunday and Thursday, the Spanish archipelago recorded elevated UV levels – and an ultraviolet radiation forecast by the country’s national weather agency AEMET suggests this trend will continue. 

The UV index predicts how dangerous UV overexposure can be using a scale ranging from 0, which amounts to minimal risk, to 11+, which suggests very high risk.

After UV radiation levels in Gran Canaria reached 12 on Sunday and Monday, while it peaked at 11 in the other islands, AEMET noted the level remained at 11 on Thursday across the region, with the exception of Tenerife, which recorded 10.

A forecast for Saturday and Sunday suggests all islands are set to record again a UV index of 11. 

Eduardo García-Ramos, a Public Health Directorate technician and coordinator of the UV Radiation Preventive Action Plan, highlighted the Canaries often record UV levels comparable to those witnessed in tropical regions.

He told Canarian Weekly: “UV radiation is increasingly penetrating the Earth’s surface.”

As climate change exacerbates this issue by impacting the ozone layer which partially absorbs UV radiation, the expert urged people to protect themselves against UV radiation all year round, as the Canaries can see a 10 or 11 levels even in the winter. 

Levels between eight and 10 is considered “very high risk” for health, while 11+ is considered “extreme risk” on the scale developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) among other organisations.

People should exercise caution when extreme levels of UV radiation are forecasted, with health authorities urging people to avoid being outside during midday hours and protect their skin with clothes and sunscreen especially when the level of UV radiation goes above 8.

Speaking about the importance of protective measures against UV exposure, the WHO said: “Encouraging people to reduce their sun exposure can decrease harmful health effects and significantly reduce health care costs.”

Overexposure to UV levels can cause health issues including severe sunburn, eye conditions such as cataracts as well as skin cancer.