Andalucia is bracing for what regional authorities have described as one of the longest and most intense periods of extreme heat in recent years, with temperatures expected to reach 44C over the coming week.

Antonio Sanz, health and emergencies minister, has urged residents and tourists to exercise ‘responsibility and awareness0 ahead of what he called an ‘extraordinary heat alert’ expected to last around 20 days.

The warning comes as state weather agency Aemet forecasts another prolonged spell of exceptionally hot weather across southern Spain, fuelled by a mass of hot, dry air sweeping in from North Africa.

Meteorologists say the arrival of the air mass, combined with an upper-level weather system west of the Iberian Peninsula, will also bring calima, reducing air quality in many parts of Andalucia.

Temperatures are expected to begin climbing from Saturday, with inland areas likely to exceed 40C over the weekend.

The heat is forecast to intensify further from Monday, with much of inland southern Spain expected to top 40C.

Between Tuesday and Wednesday, thermometers could reach 42C to 44C in Andalucia’s river valleys and low-lying inland areas.

Although Aemet has not yet officially declared a heatwave due to the uncertainty over its duration, forecasters say the most likely scenario is for temperatures to peak on Thursday, July 23, before easing slightly from Friday, July 24, particularly in western Spain.

Authorities are also warning of very warm nights, when temperatures may struggle to fall enough to provide relief, as well as an extreme wildfire risk and the possibility of dry thunderstorms in mountainous areas.

Health officials are urging people to avoid direct sun during the hottest part of the day, stay well hydrated and wear light-coloured clothing, hats and sunscreen when outdoors.

The warning is particularly aimed at those most vulnerable to heat-related illness, including people over 65, young children, babies, those with chronic health conditions and people who work outdoors or carry out strenuous physical activity during the afternoon.

The latest forecast comes just days after Andalucia endured another spell of intense summer heat, with forecasters warning that the region’s exceptionally hot summer is far from over.