Five tips to combat the heat wave if you travel by public transport

• Extreme heat is taking its toll on all sectors, including public transport, where changes in temperature caused by the heat wave can affect citizens
• The Spanish cities where you can travel for free on public transport
• What to do in case of heat stroke?

Extreme temperatures besiege our country in an unprecedented way until now. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has confirmed that this first heat wave of the year in Spain could last until Saturday and warns of the dangers that prolonged exposure to these high temperatures can bring.

At least 32 provinces are on extreme alert due to these episodes of extreme heat and coping with our day-to-day activities, such as working, sleeping, or going outside, has become a nightmare. Even taking public transport is now a difficult task when in certain parts of Spain the dreaded 40 degrees are reached.

That is why, if you are going to travel by metro, bus, or tram, you must take into account a series of recommendations that can prevent sunstroke or heat stroke.

Here are five tips that can help you beat the heat wave if you travel by public transport :

Hydrate properly

The first thing to keep in mind when using public transport during a heat wave is the importance of hydrating properly. Bus stops can be very treacherous places because of how hot they can get after several hours in the sun.

For this reason, carrying a bottle of water and drinking from it frequently during your trips on public transport can be a good option to take into account to avoid heat stroke. In addition, avoiding alcoholic and/or caffeinated beverages may be recommended, as these favor dehydration.

Avoid traveling in the hottest hours

In case your trips by public transport are not urgent, the ideal is to avoid carrying out activities outside during the hottest hours of the day.

In this way, it is recommended to avoid any type of trip and/or outside activity in the time slot with the highest risk, located between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Seek shade and protect yourself from the sun

Whenever possible, during the hours of waiting on public transport, try to seek shade and protect yourself from the sun to avoid possible heat stroke. Prolonged exposure can cause dizziness, nausea, and even fainting.

Also, if it is impossible to find shade, wearing accessories such as sunglasses, a hat, or an umbrella that avoids direct contact with the sun and regularly using sunscreen may be the best option to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.

Choose fresh and appropriate clothing

Wearing the right clothes while traveling on public transport can also make a difference. Wearing cool, light-colored clothing helps mitigate the effects of the heat wave.

For its part, wearing sandals or flip-flops during this period of extreme temperatures is not the best option, since the materials they are usually made of are not capable of protecting your feet against the heat of asphalt and sidewalks. Thus, the best option will be to wear comfortable and breathable shoes during this heat wave.

Plan your route by public transport

Finally, planning the route you are going to take on public transport very well before starting is also key to combating the heat wave.

Knowing public transport schedules in advance and avoiding waiting at bus stops and train stations can mitigate the effects of high temperatures in Spain. Thus, applications like Moovit, which help plan your trip, can save your life.