Spain Warns Tourists as Heat Wave Leaves More Than 200 Dead

Spain has issued an unusual heat warning for tourists and residents after the first heat wave of the season was linked to about 212 deaths across the country. The deaths were reported in several provinces during the past few days, as the broader heat wave continues to affect parts of Europe.

The warning was reported on Friday by Britain's Mirror, even though the heat wave is beginning to ease slightly. Diana Gomez, a scientist at Spain's National Epidemiology Center, said the figures are still preliminary. "These are initial data and we will have to wait a week for them to begin to stabilize," she said.

Spain's Health Ministry told locals and visitors to be especially careful with alcohol during hot weather. It warned, "Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks because they may worsen dehydration during heat waves." The ministry said alcohol acts as a diuretic and can increase the risk of dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke when the body is already losing fluids through sweating.

Officials also advised people to drink more water even without feeling thirsty, wear light and breathable clothing, stay in cool shaded places and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours. The British Foreign Office also warned that "extreme weather can affect many areas of Spain, especially in the summer months," and directed people to updates from Spain's meteorological service.