Tourists and holidaymakers jetting off to Spain this week have been warned to prepare for "extreme" heat - with temperatures predicted to exceed 40'C in some parts of the country. The unexpected spell of hot weather comes after India and Pakistan have experienced exceptional weather conditions in recent weeks - with the temperature in some regions hitting an intense 50'C.
Although milder than the heatwave that's swept through Asia, people travelling to Spain and the Balearic Islands in the coming days should stock up on sun cream, stay hydrated and take shelter in the shade during their holidays.
Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET has urged people to "be prepared" for the "unusually" high temperatures and weather models suggest temperatures could reach a scorching 42'C in some parts of Southern Spain.
A spokesperson for AEMET said: "Very high temperatures will exceed 35'C in many parts of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. It may reach 40'C to 42'C in parts of the south and Ebro, with very warm nights. It will be a truly unusual episode for the time."
Forecasters estimate that this month's temperatures in Spain will be between 5 and 10 degrees more than the May average - and the warmest days are likely to be Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 with "tropical nights" expected throughout next week - but temperatures should drop after that.
How hot will it actually get in Spain?
Here's the latest forecast for the weather and temperature in various regions of Spain, according to the country's official meteorological agency, the AEMET. The Agency has issued "meteorological warnings" across several regions in the mid- and Southern parts of the country for between 1pm and 7.59pm on Friday, May 20.
Yellow warnings (known as "risk" warnings) are in place for the following regions
Metropolitana y Henares - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for the region is 36'C.
Sur, Vegas y Oeste - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 36'C.
Valle del Tajo - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Villuercas y Montanchez - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 37'C
Vegas del Guadlana - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
La Siberia Extremena - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 39'C
Montes del norte y Anchuras - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Valle del Guadlana - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
La Mancha di Ciudad Real - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Barros y Serena - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Sur de Badajoz - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Sierra y Pedroches - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Sierra de Alcudias y Madrona - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Cazoria y Segura - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Andevalo y Condado - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Litoral de Huelva - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 36'C
Subbetica codrobesa - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 38'C
Cuenca del Genll - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 39'C
Poniente y Almeria Capital - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 36'C
Poniente y Almeria Capital Costa - The AEMET has placed this region under a "coastal warning," with wind forecast from the East and Northeast with intervals of Force 7
Campina Gaditana - The AEMET has put this region under a "wind warning" from midnight on May 20 to 11.59pm on May 20. The wind is forecast to be an Easterly wind and maximum gusts are estimated to reach 70 km/h
Litoral Gaditano - The AEMET has placed this region under a "wind warning" from midnight on May 20 to 11.59pm on May 20. The wind is forecast to be an Easterly wind and maximum gusts are estimated to reach 70 km/h
Estrecho - The AEMET has also placed this region under a "wind warning" from midnight on May 20 to 11.59pm on May 20. The wind is forecast to be an Easterly wind and maximum gusts are estimated to reach 80 km/h
Estrecho Costa - The AEMET has placed this region under a "coastal warning," for winds of a Force 7 coming from the West, occasionally rising to a Force 8
Litoral Gaditano Costa - The AEMET has placed this region under a "coastal warning," which is in place from 10am on May 20 to 5.59am on May 11. The Agency forecasts a SouthEasterly wind of Force 7 coming from the south of Bahla
Amber warnings (known as "important risk") are in place for the following regions:
Morena y Condado - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 40'C
Valle del Guardalquivir de Jaen - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 40'C
Campina cordobesa - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 40'C
Capital y montes de jaen - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 40'C
Campina sevillana - The AEMET says the maximum temperature for this region is 40'C
Met Office forecast for some of Spain's most popular holiday resorts
Alicante - The coming week is expected to be mostly sunny in Alicante, Spain. Top temperatures forecast of 34'C for Monday, May 23
Barcelona - The Met Office forecast sunshine for the coming week in Barcelona, with highs of 26'C on Sunday, May 20
Benidorm - Sunshine is forecast for Benidorm this week, with highs of 26'C from Friday, May 20 to Monday, May 23
Bilbao - Bilbao will mostly face cloudy weather this week. Highs of 30'C with cloud is forecast for Saturday, May 21
Cadiz - The Met Office predicts a mix of sunshine and cloudy weather for the Cadiz area this week. The hottest day is expected to be today (Friday, May 20) with highs of 32'C
Ibiza (Ibiza, Balearics) - Ibiza will see sunshine throughout the week, with highs of 26'C forecast for Friday, May 20 and Monday, May 23
Madrid - The Met Office has forecast sunshine and some cloudy weather for the coming week in Madrid. The highest temperature forecast this week is 35'C, expected on Saturday, May 31
Mahon (Menorca, Balearics) - Menorca will see sunshine in the coming week. Top temperatures of 30'C forecast for Sunday, May 22
Malaga - The forecast for Malaga starts off cloudy and then turns sunny. Top temperatures of 27'C forecast for Monday, May 23
Marbella - The forecast for Marbella varies throughout the week, with cloudy weather expected over the weekend turning to sunshine in the week. Top temperatures of 27'C forecast for Monday, May 23
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca, Balearics) - Majorca will see sunshine throughout the coming week. Top temperatures of 32'C forecast for Sunday, May 22.
San Sebastian - Cloudy weather with some rain is forecast for San Sebastian this week. Highs of 25'C with rain forecast for Sunday, May 20
Seville - The Met Office has forecast sunshine for most of the coming week, with the top temperature of 35'C expected next Thursday, May 26
Valencia - Sunshine is predicted for most of the week in Valencia. Highs of 28'C on Monday, May 23.
