An unusual blast of heat is set to grip Malaga province this week, with temperatures expected to soar to near 30C.

According to state weather agency Aemet, the spike is being driven by an ‘exceptionally’ warm subtropical air mass, pushing thermometers well above seasonal norms across much of the region.

Large parts of the province will climb past 25C, with inland areas – particularly around the Guadalhorce Valley – likely to hit the 30C mark by midweek.

Calima and a summer feel

The heat will arrive alongside suspended dust, bringing hazy skies and episodes of so-called calima, a familiar but uncomfortable mix that can dull visibility and affect air quality.

Forecasters say this could rival the highest temperatures typically recorded for this time of year between 1991 and 2020, creating what they describe as a ‘summer-like’ spell in the middle of April.

For context, average highs in Malaga city usually sit around 21C in April. This Wednesday, they’re expected to reach 29C, around eight degrees above normal.

Hottest day: Wednesday

The peak is expected on Wednesday, with inland towns such as Almogía, Alora and Cartama forecast to hit 30C.

Along the coast, temperatures will range between 24C and 29C, while other inland areas are expected to sit between 26C and 28C.

A slight dip is expected on Thursday, with temperatures easing back to around 25C, in a pattern likely to hold into the weekend.

Rain on the horizon

Despite the heat, conditions could turn unsettled by Friday.

Rain chances will increase, particularly in mountainous inland areas, with probabilities reaching around 65% in Gaucin and 55% in Ronda.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.