People should remember to wear sunscreen and head covers during peak hours.  Shutterstock

People should remember to wear sunscreen and head covers during peak hours.  Shutterstock

As the weather gets hotter in the grand duchy, reaching 29ºC on Thursday, the government issued a series of guidelines to citizens eager to enjoy the sun.

Although temperatures are set to go down from Saturday on, the ministry of health warns of the negative effects of too much sun exposure.

Cititens should therefore drink plenty of water--at least 1,5l a day and preferably mineral or sparkling water--while also avoiding coffee and tea. Sugary drinks have a diuretic effect too, so people should avoid them.

Intense physical exertion and long hours in the sun--especially at peak times--are also a health risk, especially for eldery people, babies and those suffering from chronic diseases, and heart or kidney disease.

“Protect the elderly people around you,” the ministry said. Checking in on vulnerable people in one’s surroundings once a day to make sure they stay hydrated, is recommended during heat waves.

The government already offers a heat wave programme to over75s: they can subscribe to the service and get checked on when temperatures reach a certain threshold.