Irish holidaymakers heading to Spain in the next few days are being warned ahead of an intense heatwave which is set to hit the country this week.
Some regions of Spain are experiencing their first heatwave of the year with temperatures predicted to hit up to 40C in some towns.
An Orange weather warning has been issued with temperatures in Andalusia to reach 44C.
Read more: Met Eireann forecast 26 degree heat this week as Ireland basks in sunshine
The southern region has been battling forest fires due to the heat.
Many other parts of the country are on Yellow alert.
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.
Spain's Met Office Aemet stated: “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.
“As of Thursday, we will exceed 35C in large areas of the Peninsula; more than 30C to 32C in the Balearic Islands and the south of the Canary Islands.”
The Department of Health in Spain have released advice on how to stay safe in extremely hot weather:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids
- Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol as they can lead to dehydration
- Give extra 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 replace salts lost through sweat
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