Early heatwave of 43 degrees expected to hit Spain this week

Large parts of Spain are bracing for an unusually early heatwave this week, with temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius expected in Seville and Cordoba in the south of the country.

According to a forecast by the Spanish meteorological institute AEMET, temperatures are set to reach 38 to 39 degrees in the capital Madrid and, further north, in the city of Zaragoza.

Meanwhile, thermometers should show values around 35 degrees on the popular holiday island of Mallorca.

During the night, temperatures are forecast to drop to around 20 degrees in large parts of the country.

Some respite is expected towards the weekend, when temperatures should drop below 40 degrees again in southern Spain.

Heatwaves more frequent

According to a report by the El País newspaper, heatwaves are occurring more frequently in Spain now.

They are beginning earlier and are lasting longer than they used to, with higher temperatures and larger areas affected, a development caused by climate change, according to experts.

Last August, a record heat level of 47.4 degrees was recorded in Montoro in the region of Andalusia.