Malaga is sweltering through an unusually hot start to April, with temperatures soaring to levels more typical of early summer – and even topping charts across Europe.
The province is once again enjoying clear skies and sunshine this Good Friday, with temperatures in Malaga city ranging between 14C and 24C, according to Spain’s state weather agency Aemet.
But it is further along the Costa del Sol and inland areas where the heat is really being felt. Forecasters say highs of up to 26C are expected in hotspots such as Estepona, Manilva, Coín and Pizarra.
Malaga hits hottest temperatures in Europe
The spike comes after an extraordinary Maundy Thursday that saw two towns in Malaga province record the highest temperatures anywhere in Europe.
Meteorologist Jose Luis Escudero reported that Manilva hit 29.9C while Rincon de la Victoria saw 29.7C.
Other parts of the province also saw summer-like heat, including Torremolinos (27.9C) and Malaga Port (27.2C).
Levante winds to bring slight dip
Despite the current heatwave conditions, a shift is expected over the weekend.
A levante wind will bring slightly cooler air, with temperatures dropping to between 19C and 21C on Saturday, before climbing again on Sunday to between 20C and 25C – with the highest values expected around Antequera.
30C on the way before storms
Looking ahead, forecasters warn the heat could intensify even further.
A subtropical ridge is set to dominate over the Iberian Peninsula, potentially pushing temperatures above 30C for the first time this year in parts of the Guadalquivir valley.
However, the stable weather will not last.
Experts at Meteored say a change is looming early next week, as an Atlantic system approaches Spain.
This could evolve into a DANA (isolated high-altitude depression), bringing the first widespread storms of spring.
In Malaga, Aemet currently puts the probability of rain on Tuesday at 75%, with the potential for locally intense showers and thunderstorms.
After days of near-summer heat, umbrellas may soon be back in use across Andalucia.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
