Temperatures across Spain are set to near 40C for much of the coming week and a seven-day heatwave grips the holiday nation. In some regions the mercury could soar to a blistering 43C and holidaymakers have been warned to prepare for the scorching conditions.
Official Spanish forecaster Aemet predicted a swathe of Sahara air would continue to sweep across the country with the most severe heat expected to be in central and south-western areas. The heatwave is expected to last for much of this week.
Southern cities of Seville, Cordoba and Badajoz are braced for highs of 43C with Madrid and the Balearic Islands hitting 38C, which is well above average for early June. Temperatures in many areas of Spain will be 10 to 15C higher than normal during the day and between 5-10C above normal at night.
A statement from Aemet said: "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."
Forecasters said the suffocating heatwave could last in most of Spain until Wednesday before temperatures cool slightly. Aemet stated: "The heat will be very intense on the mainland and in the Balearics at least until 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."
Forecasters predicted high winds and storms would follow in some parts of Spain.
Holidaymakers are being told to exercise extreme caution and to avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day. Spain's Department of Health has issued the following advice to stay safe in extremely hot weather:
- Drink water and fluids often
- Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol as they can promote dehydration
- Pay special 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 replenish the salts lost through sweat
Meanwhile in neighbouring Portugal, temperatures are expected to exceed regular levels for much of the summer. Ricardo Deus, from the Division of Meteorological Forecasting and Surveillance and the Division of Climate and Climate Change at IPMA told The Portugal News: “There are several scenarios, but the most likely is that the month of June will be considered normal to hot.”
