The Costa del Sol is set to swelter through an unusually intense burst of heat this week, with forecasters warning temperatures could climb close to 35C in parts of Malaga province by the weekend.
State weather agency AEMET said the country is facing ‘extraordinarily high temperatures’ for the month of May, with incoming air masses expected to be hotter than almost anything recorded for this time of year between 1991 and 2020 in some areas.
In Malaga province, temperatures are forecast to rise steadily throughout the week, with coastal areas also expected to experience tropical nights where temperatures fail to drop below 20C.
In Malaga city, average May minimum temperatures normally sit around 14.2C, while daytime highs average roughly 24.3C.
This weekend, however, minimums are expected to remain above 21C overnight while daytime temperatures could soar to 32C in the capital – around seven degrees above seasonal norms.
The week begins with highs nearing 30C across much of the province, although most areas will remain around 27C to 28C on Monday.
Several Costa del Sol towns already recorded tropical nights overnight, including Estepona with a minimum of 20.9C and Manilva at 20.5C.
Along much of the coastline, overnight temperatures stayed between 17C and 19C, while inland areas including Ronda and Antequera also remained unusually warm.
Temperatures are expected to edge even higher from Thursday onwards, with much of inland Malaga province forecast to exceed 30C.
By Saturday, some inland towns could approach 35C.
Forecasts suggest Coin may hit 35C, while Alora and Almogia could reach 34C. In the north of the province, Alameda and Villanueva de Algaidas are also expected to climb to around 34C.
The heat will also intensify along the coast.
Malaga city could reach 32C on Saturday, while Rincon de la Victoria and Manilva are forecast to hit 31C.
Overnight temperatures in coastal areas including Marbella, Fuengirola and Nerja are also expected to stay above 20C, creating uncomfortable sleeping conditions for many residents.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
