Irish tourists heading to Spain this week are being warned to prepare for “extreme” heat as “exceptionally high” temperatures take hold.
A heatwave has struck the holiday hotspot with weather models showing temperatures could exceed a sizzling 40C, which is “unusual” for the month of May.
The country’s meteorological agency AEMET has warned that temperatures are going to be “unusually high” this week.
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A spokesperson said: “Very high temperatures will exceed 35C in many parts of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.
“It may reach 40C to 42C in parts of the south and Ebro, with very warm nights.
“It will be a truly unusual episode for the time.”
Weather models show daytime temperatures will generally hover around the mid-30s this week - but could exceed 40C in some areas. Meanwhile, some areas are set to experience “tropical nights” with temperatures not dropping below 20C.
AEMET continued: “The warm episode will be very unusual for mid-May: daytime temperatures between 10C andC above normal and night temperatures between 5C and 10C above, with tropical nights in which it will not drop below 20C.”
Temperatures across Spain are set to peak from Thursday and continue rising until Saturday.
AEMET says the warmest days will be Friday and Saturday, while temperatures will likely fall from Monday to “more typical” values.
Irish holidaymakers are being urged to take necessary precautions in the “intense” heat.
Irish weather expert Alan O’Reilly shared news of the incoming heatwave on his popular Carlow Weather Twitter account, writing: “Some intense heat heading for Spain later this week with over 40C possible.
"That is unusually high temperatures for Spain in May!”
It comes as parts of India and Pakistan experienced exceptional heatwave conditions over recent weeks, while much of western Europe is preparing for significant heat this week.
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