The highest-possible heat alert has been issued for parts of the Valencia region today, with temperatures forecast to reach a dangerous 44C.
State weather agency Aemet has placed both the northern and southern coasts of Valencia province under red warnings for extreme temperatures between 1pm and 8.59pm.
The most intense heat is expected along the southern Valencia coast, where temperatures could reach a staggering 44C.
The northern Valencia coast is forecast to reach 43C, also triggering the red ‘extraordinary danger’ warning.
Meanwhile, the northern coast of neighbouring Alicante province is also under a red warning, with temperatures of up to 42C expected, particularly in inland areas just behind the coastline.
The warnings affect one of Spain’s most popular regions for British tourists and expats during the busiest period of the summer holiday season.
Large parts of Alicante and Murcia are meanwhile covered by lower-level heat warnings as the intense temperatures spread across eastern Spain.
Aemet’s warning map shows much of the Costa Blanca and Murcia under orange alerts, while yellow warnings extend across a much wider swathe of the country’s east.
Malaga also placed on heat alert
The Costa del Sol has not escaped the heat, although temperatures are expected to remain considerably lower than those forecast around Valencia.
Aemet has issued a yellow warning for maximum temperatures in the Sol and Guadalhorce area of Malaga province between 1pm and 8.59pm.
Temperatures could reach 38C in the affected area.
The Axarquia, to the east of Malaga city, is also under a yellow warning during the same period, with maximum temperatures of 36C expected in inland parts of the district.
Red warning means ‘extraordinary danger’
A red weather warning is the most serious level issued by Aemet and denotes an extraordinary danger from the forecast conditions.
People in the affected areas should take particular care during the hottest part of the day, avoid strenuous outdoor activity where possible and remain hydrated.
Special attention should be paid to elderly people, young children and others particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
