Warning as 43C heatwave 'not normal' for June to hit Spain from this date

Spain is bracing for an extreme heatwave that will see temperatures in the region soar to 43C.

Holidaymakers heading to Spain are being cautioned to prepare for scorching temperatures, with the mercury set to soar up to a sizzling 43C. The country is gearing up for a heatwave that's more typical in the "height of July or August".

An "exceptionally warm air mass" is anticipated to sweep across parts of Spain starting today (June 16), according to experts. Meteored's meteorologist Nacho Espinós has reported: "We're expecting highs of up to 43C this week."

He continued: "Although June is the first month of summer and the heat is guaranteed across much of the Iberian Peninsula, temperatures reaching the 43C forecast for next week are not normal. Nor is it normal for temperatures in the centre to reach 40C."

With Madrid potentially hitting a high of 38C, he emphasised: "So we'll need to pay attention to any special warnings or alerts issued by the AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología) for next week."

He also mentioned that coastal areas like the Cantabrian coast might escape the worst of the heat due to breezes, noting: "San Sebastián, for example, will have highs of 24C/25C next Wednesday and Thursday."

The heatwave is expected to extend to Portugal as well, with Lisbon and Coimbra predicted to experience temperatures around 38C.

How to stay safe

The NHS has issued a stark warning that the current heatwave could lead to serious health issues, including fatalities, particularly affecting the young and elderly.

Key dangers during a heatwave include:

• Dehydration from not drinking enough water
• Overheating, which can exacerbate existing heart or breathing problems
• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

To combat the risks, the NHS advises avoiding the heat where possible. "If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter," they recommend.

Further guidance from the health service includes: "Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.

"Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down."

For indoor cooling, "Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep."

You should call for emergency services if you or someone else has signs of heatstroke, including:

• Still being unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids
• A very high temperature
• Hot skin that's not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
• A fast heartbeat
• Fast breathing or shortness of breath
• Confusion and lack of coordination
• A seizure or fit
• Loss of consciousness

Spain continues to be a top holiday choice for Brits, with over 17 million UK residents flocking there annually.