Galicia issues red alerts for extreme heat in Ourense and Pontevedra

The Xunta de Galicia has activated red alerts for extreme heat across several regions in Galicia, Spain. As of Monday, 35 municipalities in the mountainous areas of Ourense and the interior of Pontevedra remain under the highest level of risk. Temperatures in Ourense have reached 40 degrees Celsius, with some areas near the Miño river exceeding 39 degrees.

Health and sports authorities have issued several precautions. The Secretaría Xeral para o Deporte recommends avoiding federated sports in red alert zones between 13:00 and 17:00, except for nautical and aquatic activities. Public health officials urge citizens, particularly the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours.

While some areas like the Rías Baixas have seen alerts downgraded to orange, high temperatures are expected to persist until Tuesday, with a potential decrease starting Wednesday. The heatwave has also increased the risk of forest fires in the region.