Brit holiday hotspot issues 'red alert' over scorching 44C temperatures

10 August 2023 , 07:07

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Temperatures in Spain are set to hit 44C (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

A popular holiday hotspot for Brits has issued a 'red alert' warning as scorching hot temperatures are set to hit highs of 44C.

Every summer countless Brits make the journey to Spain to enjoy the weather and beaches. But this year, many have been caught in searing hot heatwaves.

Once again, parts of Spain are under a red weather alert as temperatures rocket above 40C. Valencia and Alicante have been put under an "extreme risk" warning by Spain's weather service.

Aemet, the country's meteorological agency, put five parts of south-east Spain under the extreme warnings. Meanwhile huge swathes of the rest of the country have also been issued warnings, with temperatures touching 40C across southern, central and north-east Spain.

This isn't the first time this summer that temperatures have spiked above 40C in Spain (AFP via Getty Images)

Whilst today is supposed to be the worst of the weather, the scorching heat will continue across the weekend. Valencia and Alicante are seemingly set to see the worst of the heat, predicted to reach 44C.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

But surrounding parts of the region won't be far behind, expected to reach 42C. The rest of Spain will see temperatures well above 30C too.

Much of Spain is under weather alerts today, with the worst covering regions in the south-east of the country

Any tourists are advised to drink water regularly, even if they don't feel thirsty, such is the level of heat. Similarly, health officials have advised against drinking drinks with too much caffeine or sugar in, and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you even faster.

This all comes after a difficult summer for southern Europe after temperatures have repeatedly spiked high through successive heatwaves. These have triggered dangerous wildfires, as well as posing their own threat to much of the population.

Extreme weather events like this are becoming more common with climate change, scientists have warned. This combined with it being an El Nino year, a naturally occurring phenomena which can lead to temperature increases, puts countries particularly at risk and led to the Met Office warning that 2023 might be the hottest year on record.

With the worst of the heat coming in the middle of the day, it's advised against doing anything too strenuous during this time. Alongside that, the risk of forest fires remains very high to extreme, Aemet warned, as they cautioned tourists and residents to take extra care. They also advised people wear light coloured clothing, and eat light, and regular meals.

The previous heatwaves at the end of last month saw temperatures in parts of southern Europe and northern Africa heading towards 50C. Things got so bad, terrifying forest fires tore across Rhodes, Greece, sending some tourists fleeing as they feared for their lives. The heatwaves were caused by an unusually southward Jet Stream, which also opened up the UK to low pressure systems, bringing the rain and wind earlier this month.

Kieren Williams