Weather conditions have been relatively wet in the UK up until today compared to southern Europe, where the mercury will soar above 40ºC in the coming days.
Scorching temperatures are showing no sign of relenting in Spain, Italy and more, with several regions coming under alert over the weekend.
Holidaymakers have been told to brace for highs of 44ºC as a heatwave sweeps the tourist destinations, including Majorca.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued alerts for several regions teetering on the edge of the mid-40ºC in the coming days.
The heatwave has been put down to warm air travelling from North Africa
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It said the unusually high mercury has been caused by a mass of “very hot, dry and dusty air” travelling from North Africa.
Luis Bañon, a spokesperson for AEMET, said: “Today is forecast to be the hottest day of this heat episode, with temperatures that could exceed 40ºC in the large areas in the southern half of Spain, in the Ebro valley and in the interior of Mallorca.
“Today, the skies will remain full of sand from the Sahara, especially in the south-east of the peninsula, in Ceuta, Melilla, the Balearics, and the eastern Canaries.”
Data published on the AEMET website warns temperatures could reach 44ºC in the Guadalquivir Valley and Córdoba.
The situation escalated this week, as the Directorate General of Civil Protection and Emergencies issued a foreign fire risk.
Spanish island hotspots will experience a slightly hotter climate than average through to Monday.
Temperatures are also expected to exceed 38ºC in several regions frequented by holidaymakers.
Mainland Spain is set to experience the most intense heat as temperatures will exceed 40ºC on Friday.
Two years ago, 2022 was the hottest year on record for Spain since it started keeping records in 1961, with 2023 becoming the second hottest year recorded to date.
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Mainland Spain will experience the hottest heat
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Other holiday destinations, namely Greece and Italy, are also dealing with unusually high temperatures.
In Crete, meteorologists predict highs of 34ºC today, climbing to 36ºC on Sunday.
Corfu is experiencing even more heat, according to the Met Office, with highs of 40ºC set for today and 39ºC on Saturday.
The meteorologists also warned that parts of Italy, namely Palermo, in Sicily, could feel as hot as 44ºC.
