HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned as Spain and popular tourist spots face the worst heatwave in 20 years – amid 43C temperatures and huge wildfires.
The first heatwave of the summer in Spain is reaching its peak today in the south of the country, but warnings continue tomorrow as temperatures are expected to reach their maximum in the centre and north.
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The rare heatwave is described as the “most intense for mid-June of at least the last 20 years,” by Rubén del Campo, spokesman for the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
On Sunday, the town of Almadén (Ciudad Real) and Andújar (Jaén) recorded the highest temperature of 43C, thanks to a cloud of hot air coming from North Africa.
The orange warning applies to Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Madrid and Catalonia. Intense conditions are expected in Costa del Sol, and the Balearic Islands.
Holidaymakers in France are also bracing extreme temperatures across most of the country.
Temperatures are expected to soar to 35C or 36C in the South West on Tuesday.
The worst of the heatwave will be on Friday and Saturday, when tourists will face scorching 35C to 38C and up to 40C in some areas, according to Frédéric Nathan, a forecaster at Météo-France.
Brits are urged to take preventative measures to protect themselves, including staying indoors, staying hydrated, and wearing factor 50.
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The oppressive heat, which poses health risks such as heatstrokes and rashes, fluid retention, and fainting, is also increasing the risk linked to huge wildfires currently ravaging parts of Spain.
Wildfires in southern Spain have so far forced the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people near the city of Málaga. Three people have sustained injuries, the authorities have said.
The Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development has warned that temperatures exceeding 40C in Andalucia this week could pave the way for future fires.
Andalucia’s fire prevention and extension plan experts have called on Spaniards and tourists to apply “maximum caution and responsibility”.
The organisation said the majority of wildfires in the region are caused by negligence or set off intentionally.
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A ban on barbecues in recreational areas has been introduced, but barbecues held in tourist accommodations or restaurants remain allowed.
The emergency number to ring in case you detect a fire in Spain is 112.
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