Brits visiting Spain have been urged to be careful as forecasters predict a sweltering and unseasonably early heatwave this week.
The warning comes as an estimated 80,000 Rangers fans arrive in Seville to watch their team compete against German side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final tonight.
Temperatures could reach as high as 40C which is unusually hot for this time of year, Spain's meteorological agency AEMET said.
A spokesperson said: “Very high temperatures will exceed 35C in many parts of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. It may reach 40C to 42C in parts of the south and Ebro, with very warm nights.
"It will be a truly unusual episode for the time.”
Those watching the match in Seville are expected to be hit with highs of 37C on tomorrow (Thursday) and 39C on Friday.
AEMET continued: “The warm episode will be very unusual for mid-May: daytime temperatures 10C above normal and night temperatures between 5C and 10C above, with tropical nights in which it will not drop below 20C.”
Temperatures across Spain are set to peak from Thursday and continue rising until Saturday. AEMET says the warmest days will be Friday and Saturday, while temperatures will likely fall from Monday to “more typical” values.
According to weather models, daytime temperatures will generally hover around the mid-30s this week - but could exceed 40C in some areas, while others could experience “tropical nights” with temperatures struggling to drop below 20C.
Holidaymakers are being urged to take necessary precautions in the “intense” heat. It is vital to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, wear factor 50 SPF, avoid going outside when the sun is at its hottest (midday), and stay in the shade.
Alan O’Reilly, a weather expert shared news of the incoming heatwave on his popular Carlow Weather Twitter account.
He wrote: “Some intense heat heading for Spain later this week with over 40C possible.
"That is unusually high temperatures for Spain in May!”
It comes as parts of India and Pakistan experienced exceptional heatwave conditions over recent weeks, while much of western Europe is preparing for significant heat this week.
