Andalucia has urged residents to take extra precautions as temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 42C in parts of the region this week.

Acting health minister Antonio Sanz reminded the public that the Heat and Health Protection Protocol remains in force until September 30, aimed at reducing the health risks posed by extreme temperatures.

Health officials are advising people to avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, wear loose-fitting light-coloured clothing, use hats and sunglasses, apply sunscreen and stay well hydrated.

Residents are also being encouraged to remain in cool, ventilated spaces where possible and avoid strenuous physical activity during peak temperatures.

The warning comes as state weather agency Aemet predicts exceptionally high temperatures across large parts of the country over the coming days.

Orange heat alerts are in place this week for several inland areas of Andalucia, as well as Almeria province.

Sanz said the protocol is designed to protect those most vulnerable to heat-related illness, including people over 65, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, those living alone, outdoor workers and individuals with memory disorders or substance abuse problems.

He stressed that the plan focuses on prevention, early warning and coordination between regional authorities, health services and local councils to minimise the impact of extreme temperatures.

According to Spain’s Meteosalud monitoring system, almost 3.5 million people in Andalucia are currently living in areas classified as having a health risk from high temperatures.

Twelve zones across the region are currently on yellow-level health alerts, including parts of Almeria, Cordoba, Granada, Jaen and Malaga provinces.

Authorities warn that some of these areas could be upgraded to orange-level risk if temperatures continue to rise.

Between May 11 and June 14, Andalucía’s public health system recorded 427 heat-related medical emergencies, including 297 cases treated in primary care centres and 130 requiring hospital treatment.

The regional government recommends checking the Salud Responde app for up-to-date health risk levels and heat alerts in specific areas.

The system is also used by the Andalusian Health Service to monitor particularly vulnerable patients during periods of extreme heat.