An orange weather warning has been issued for the Costa del Sol on Friday as temperatures threaten to break the 40C barrier.
State weather agency Aemet has placed the Sol and Guadalhorce district of Malaga province under its second-highest alert level from 1pm until 8.59pm on July 17.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 39C across the affected area, although Aemet has warned that they could exceed 40C in inland locations.
The warning covers the western Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley, including areas around Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Malaga city, Coin and Alhaurin el Grande.
Conditions are expected to be particularly oppressive away from the immediate coastline, where the cooling influence of the Mediterranean will be weaker.
Much of the rest of Andalucia will be under yellow warnings during the same eight-hour period.
Aemet expects temperatures to reach 39C in Ronda, while Antequera will climb to 38C and inland parts of the Axarquia could hit 37C.
Yellow warnings have also been issued for the Sevilla and Cadiz countryside, where temperatures are expected to reach 38C.
The Cordoba countryside could reach 39C, with 40C possible locally, while maximums of 39C are forecast in Granada’s Genil Basin and the Guadix and Baza districts. The Guadalquivir Valley in Jaen is expected to reach 38C.
The warnings come as Andalucia prepares to enter what the regional government has described as an extraordinary 20-day period of intense heat.
Temperatures are expected to rise further from the weekend as a mass of hot, dry air carrying Saharan dust moves north from Africa.
The most severe conditions are currently expected next week, when parts of Andalucia’s inland valleys could reach between 42C and 44C.
Residents and holidaymakers are being urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the afternoon, drink water regularly and take particular care of children, elderly people and those with chronic health conditions.
Aemet classifies an orange warning as an important danger level, indicating weather capable of causing significant disruption and presenting a risk to vulnerable people.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
