Europe heatwave: Exact date temperatures rocket above 40C in Spain, Italy and Greece

Temperatures are expected to soar across major holiday hotspots in Spain, Italy and Greece over the next few days, according to new weather maps.

On Thursday 4 July, certain parts of Spain will reach over 40C, particularly around Seville, the area between the Andalucian cities of Cordoba and Jaen, and near the Portugal border.

Many other parts of the country will also reach temperatures in the mid to upper 30s. The heatwave is expected to be so brutal that Spanish forecasters have issued a yellow warning in the Southern Andalucia region.

Meanwhile, Italy and Greece are expected to reach the 40C mark on Tuesday, July 16. The hottest areas will likely include the neighbouring areas near the Italian city of Bari and Catania. Larissa in Greece will hit 39C, while close to the Macedonian border, temperatures are expected to hit 40C.

This European heatwave comes as the start of the holiday season commences, with thousands flying out on holiday.

In addition to Spain, both Italy and Greece have issued their own weather warnings, urging caution to any visitors and residents trapped in the heat.

"Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change", William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, previously explained. "Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life.

”High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.

"We would advise people to plan ahead for the effects of heat on their trip, making sure they know how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke."

Ian Simpson, a forecaster from Netweather, said not all of Europe will be sizzling, with northern parts set to evade some of the extreme temperatures. He said: "Although southern and eastern Europe can expect some more hot weather during the coming fortnight, it looks unlikely that it will turn hot in north-western Europe for a while.

"This is because we will have a strong high pressure area over the Azores and a strong jet stream running on its northern flank, bringing persistent west to north-westerly winds and some bands of cloud and rain coming in off the North Atlantic. It doesn't look likely to be especially wet (unlike July 2023), but it will often be rather cool and cloudy."