With temperatures soaring in Colombia, locals in one city may soon need cold showers for more than one reason. They are being told to stay cool by avoiding sex.

Santa Marta is a picturesque coastal city on the Caribbean Sea, in the northern province of Magdalena. With summer temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), it might seem like the perfect time for some sweaty summer loving, but the city’s health secretary has warned loved-up locals to abstain.

Read more

Secretary Julio Salas said that avoiding sex in the midday heat was “logical,” just like people would avoid strenuous exercise in such conditions. “Therefore, it is better to do it at night when the ambient temperature is lower," he said.

Those with air conditioners, however, have Salas’ blessing to get in as much afternoon delight as they please.

While summer temperatures are usually high in Santa Marta, the city has been in the grip of an intense heatwave in recent weeks. Local medical facilities have been overwhelmed with patients suffering from nausea, vomiting, and headaches – all symptoms of heatstroke.

Temperatures in the coastal city are expected to remain above 30 degrees (86F) for the foreseeable future.

Like this story? Share it with a friend!