Holidaymakers heading to the Canary and Balearic Islands have been warned of searing hot temperatures over the summer months.
AEMET, which is Spain’s national meteorological organisation, is expecting temperatures to soar between now and August.
Experts say that there is a 60 per cent chance of warmer temperatures than normal in the Canary Islands, while it is 70 per cent likely that it will be hotter than normal in the Balearic Islands.
Authorities across Spain have launched an emergency heat prevention plan, which is set to last until September 15 this year, Chronicle Live reports.
Forecasters are already expecting the thermostat to climb this weekend, with a maximum temperature of 42C in some parts of the country and the surrounding islands.
A surveillance system to assess the impact of the high temperatures on the health of the population has been put in place, and local healthcare centres are on high alert to deal with a potential influx of patients affected by the unusually warm weather.
A health spokesperson from the Canary Islands said: "These actions are intended to increase individual prevention capacity to face the heat in the Canary Islands by applying measures that are easy and accessible.
"All the hospitals and the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) have staff designated and specially trained to deal with and effectively coordinate the services in the event of a possible heatwave, as well as the established communication channels."
UK holidaymakers who plan on visiting the Canaries this summer are advised to look up how they can protect themselves from the effects of the heatwave.
The usual advice such as trying to stay in the shade as much as possible and hydrate yourself by drinking lots of water is always a good idea.
Ruben del Campo, from Aemet, said: "The probability that the next quarter will be warmer than normal is very high."
He also explained that a heatwave in Spain must last “three days at least” and “temperatures must be registered among the five percent of the warmest”, for it to officially be considered a heatwave.
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