The Spanish government has warned people to prepare for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 42 ° C in the southern parts, which are heading for the weekend.
The government activated its national plan to exceed temperatures on Thursday night.
Aemet, the state meteorological agency, said Spain was facing “one of the hottest May months in the country in recent years”.
Why is it so hot in Spain?
Unusually high temperatures are due to a body of hot, dry air moving from Africa carrying dust from the Sahara.
Temperatures in Spain in May are usually around mid to over 20s and low 30s.
Ruben del Campo, a spokesman for Aemet, said: “Recent updates on meteorological models confirm the extreme intensity of this heat wave.
“For Spain as a whole, this may be the most intense heat wave in May of 20 years in terms of both maximum and minimum temperatures.
Intense heat causes forest fires in Gran Canaria (Photo: Guardia Civil / AP)
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What is the latest forecast?
“Friday and Saturday will be the hottest days in general, and although Sunday will see a significant drop in temperatures in the western third of the peninsula, it may be the hottest day in parts of eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands.” said Mr. del Campo.
He also warned of an “extreme risk” of forest fires, adding: “This will be an extreme episode and the risk that comes with high temperatures will be important in many areas.
“Another thing you need to know is the dust in the air, which can lead to mud [hot winds] in the southern and eastern part of the peninsula, with cloudy skies and reduced visibility.
“This concentration of dust in the air may increase on Friday and Saturday across the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, as the air comes from North Africa, carrying dust from the Sahara. This will again lead to a deterioration in air quality. “
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