Spain could be heading into another official heatwave next week with forecasters predicting highs of 45C in Andalucia.

State weather agency Aemet has upgraded its warning, saying the latest forecasts suggest the hot spell is now likely to meet the criteria for an official heatwave.

The episode is expected to begin intensifying over the weekend, with the heat peaking between Monday or Tuesday and Thursday or Friday, before temperatures fall significantly next weekend.

According to the latest forecasts, Cordoba could reach a scorching 45C on Thursday, while Sevilla, Granada and Baza are expected to hit 43C.

Elsewhere, temperatures of 42C are forecast in Jaen, 41C in Malaga, 40C in Huelva, 36C in Almeria and 30C in Cadiz.

Outside the provincial capitals, towns including Almonte, Ecija, Loja, Andujar and Linares could all see highs of 44C, while Antequera and Huercal-Overa are expected to reach 42C.

Aemet also warned that nights will remain exceptionally warm, offering little relief from the daytime heat.

Minimum temperatures could stay as high as 28C in Jaen, 27C in Loja, Cazorla and Huercal-Overa, and 26C in Linares and Almeria.

The agency said the prolonged heat will push wildfire risk to extreme levels, while dry afternoon thunderstorms are also possible in mountainous areas.

Forecasters expect temperatures to exceed 40C across much of southern inland Spain between Tuesday and Wednesday, with 42C to 44C possible in the valleys and depressions of Andalucia.

The current forecast suggests a marked cooldown will arrive over the weekend of July 25, bringing temperatures closer to seasonal norms and bringing the heatwave to an end.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.