A NEW heat dome is expected to settle over Spain this weekend, bringing warnings of scorching temperatures and sweltering nights.
Extremadura and western Andalucia, including Huelva and the Guadalquivir Valley, are set to bake under highs of up to 44C, while temperatures across much of the peninsula are forecast to hover around 35C, according to Meteored.
Meteorologists have described the phenomenon as a ‘giant oven’, with a vast atmospheric lid trapping hot air over the country and preventing cooler air from moving in.
Although the event does not meet the official criteria to be classified as a heatwave, experts say temperatures will be ‘unusually high’ for early July.
Night-time temperatures are expected to remain around a balmy 25C across much of Spain, including the Canary Islands, offering little relief after sunset.
The heat dome is expected to persist for several days, Meteored said.
Forecasters have also warned of isolated thunderstorms developing from Sunday, with lightning strikes increasing the risk of wildfires as tinder-dry vegetation combines with the intense heat.
Meanwhile, Spain’s state weather agency AEMET has placed western Andalucia under an orange alert as temperatures are set to peak 41C on Wednesday and Thursday.
In Spain, an orange alert signals a potentially hazardous weather event that could affect people, property or transport.
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