El Salvador’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources issued an alert this Friday for ultraviolet radiation levels considered very high to extreme during midday hours across the entire country.
The agency explained that the combination of clear skies and relatively dry air between 10:00 AM and noon created conditions for particularly intense solar exposure. The UV index reached levels that pose significant health risks.
Ultraviolet radiation, invisible to the human eye, can cause rapid skin burns and eye damage when direct exposure is prolonged. The ministry recommended that the public apply sunscreen, stay constantly hydrated, and seek shade especially between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
The weather forecast for Friday indicates persistent northern winds, though hot weather will predominate throughout the day across most of the country, with maximum temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius in San Salvador and lows near 19 degrees.
Our Take
UV radiation alerts are becoming increasingly frequent in Central America, reflecting climate patterns that demand greater public education about sun protection. In a country where much of the population works outdoors, these warnings should not be taken lightly: investing in prevention campaigns is cheaper than treating the consequences.
Key Points
- UV index reached very high to extreme levels between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM Friday in El Salvador
- Direct exposure can cause rapid skin burns and eye damage
- Sunscreen, constant hydration, and seeking shade between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM are recommended
- San Salvador recorded temperatures up to 33 degrees C with predominantly clear skies
