Holiday hotspots in Spain could be facing "an explosive situation" with torrential rains and thunder set to signal the end of a summer heatwave. Storms have already forced flights to be diverted from Reus Airport on the Costa Brava because of a deluge on Tuesday and now the bad weather is set to spread.
The Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are on alert with a series of weather warnings in place for Thursday. Many thousands of UK holidaymakers are currently holidaying in the region with more expected in the coming days.
However, deputy spokesman for AEMET, the State Meteorological Agency in the Balearic Islands, Miquel Gili, stated that Majorca is facing an " explosive situation" with very heavy rain predicted for Thursday.
Experts have also warned that a meteotsunami could hit Menorca. These produce huge waves more than six feet high and sea surges that can swamp costal communities and cause extensive damage.
The phenomenon can spark a sudden rise and fall in sea levels in a very short time which, when very intense, can be life-threatening. the storm alert follows record high temperatures in the Balearic Islands with highs above 40C and night-time values of 29C.
Figures show July was the hottest month in Spain since 1961. The Spanish government had announced a rule limiting the use of air conditioning in public buildings with minimum temperatures of 27C in locations such as communal areas of hotels and 25C in bars and restaurants.
Temperatures across many of the popular tourist resorts on the mainland and Balearic Islands are forecast to rise again next week after a brief dip this weekend. However, the scorching heat of last month will be replaced by more pleasant values in the high 20sC and low 30s C.
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