Spain heatwave as temperatures soar to 40C while warnings issued for Balearics

Spain has been forecast a heatwave as temperatures soar to 40C while warnings issued for the Balearics

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a special warning due to the imminent heatwave that will affect a large part of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.

Caused by an anticyclone that will intensify over the next few days, the heatwave will bring extremely high temperatures from July 18 to 20.

The large anticyclone currently located in Algeria will extend westwards, pulling a flow of very warm, dry air towards Spain.

The areas most affected will be the south and the northeast, where temperatures are expected to exceed 38C. Maximum temperatures could reach 44C in the Guadalquivir valley.

The hottest day is expected to be tomorrow, July 19, with temperatures above 40C in a number of spots across Spain.

A slight drop in temperatures is forecast for July 20 but there will still be extreme highs with predictions of up to 44C in the Júcar and Segura valleys.

The heat will last into the nights, with temperatures not falling below 24C in large areas of the southeast and northeast.

There is a yellow alert for heat temperatures in Ibiza and Formentera for tomorrow, with forecasts of 36C and lows of 25C.

The AEMET has advised people to follow its daily updates and take precautionary measures to avoid heat stroke, especially among the most vulnerable groups.

It is crucial to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and intense physical activity during the hottest hours of the day.

Temperatures are expected to drop a couple of degrees in both maximum and minimum predictions by Monday (July 22).