People holidaying in Spain this month are being warned that temperatures in some parts of the country could soar to as high as 43C. Some regions of Spain are currently enduring the first heatwave of the year with temperatures predicted to rise even higher over the next few days.
The Aemet weather agency said a mass of hot air from North Africa is sweeping over Spain. The hottest areas are expected to be in central and south-western Spain, and the heatwave is expected to last at least until Wednesday.
Highs of a sweltering 43C are forecast for the southern cities of Seville, Cordoba and Badajoz. Meteorologists said the temperature in Madrid could hit 38C, which is well above average for early June, while the forecasted high in coastal Barcelona is 32C.
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A statement from Aemet said: "The heat will be very intense on the mainland and in the Balearics at least until next Wednesday and it is not ruled out that it could extend for a couple of days. The intense heatwave is very rare for the month of June."
Last year, Spain recorded its highest temperature since records began - 47.4C in Montoro in the southern province of Córdoba in August.
Holidaymakers are being told to exercise extreme caution and to avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day. Spain's Department of Health has issued the following advice to stay safe in extremely hot weather:
- Drink water and fluids often
- Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol as they can promote dehydration
- Pay special attention to infants and young children, pregnant women and the elderly
- Try and stay in cool, shaded places
- Reduce physical activity and avoid outdoor sports in the middle of the day
- Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing
- Never leave anyone in a closed and parked vehicle
- Keep medicines in a cool dry place
- Eat light meals that help replenish the salts lost through sweat
The Spanish heatwave is expected to head north towards the UK at the end of the next week. Although temperatures will not be as high, parts of southern England could see highs of 30C on Friday.
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: “As we move into the end of the week, that’s when we are starting to pick up the signal for the potential for some significant heat to come up from the south.” He said this was “still a fair way off at the moment”, so there is is still some uncertainty.
But, Mr Vautrey added “there is a signal in that the heat we have currently got over Spain – I believe they are experiencing rather high temperatures at the moment – could edge its way northwards to south-eastern areas of the UK, at least for the end of the week."
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