The warning is clear: extreme solar radiation and high heat are not only uncomfortable, they also pose a real risk if timely measures are not taken. Panama begins the week under an alert for extreme solar radiation and high temperatures, a scenario that poses a health risk in much of the country. The warnings remain in effect from April 6 to 9, 2026, with conditions combining intense sun and a high heat index for several hours a day. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable. The phenomenon is due to typical April conditions, considered the hottest month of the year in Panama, when the sun's rays strike the country almost directly. Given this situation, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, use sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing, and stay hydrated. During this period, UV-B radiation will reach high to extreme levels, with values potentially reaching 15, considered dangerous. Authorities warn that this combination can cause heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn, and cramps, especially in people who are exposed for long periods or engage in outdoor physical activity. At the same time, temperatures will range between 31°C and 37°C, but the heat index could rise to 42°C due to humidity. The heat and radiation will be felt on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, including provinces such as Chiriquí, Veraguas, Los Santos, Herrera, Coclé, Panamá, and Colón, as well as indigenous territories. It is also advised to limit physical activity during peak radiation hours. This is compounded by a thinner ozone layer, warm and humid winds, and above-normal sea temperatures. The situation will be more intense on the Panamanian Pacific coast, where there is little cloud cover and no rain.
