TEMPERATURES are set to climb again on the Costa del Sol this Sunday as dreaded ‘terral’ winds push the mercury back towards 40C.

State meteorological agency Aemet have issued an orange weather warning for the Sol y Guadalhorce region, which covers several popular expat locations including Malaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Estepona.

The alert, which kicks in at 1pm on Sunday afternoon and lasts until 9pm in the evening, warns of dry winds and scorching temperatures of 39C on the coast, with the possibility of even hotter conditions further inland.

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The terral phenomenon, often dubbed ‘hairdryer winds’ by locals, occurs when hot air from inland is funnelled through mountain passes towards the coast, creating furnace-like conditions that can make life unbearable, even near the sea.

The winds can be particularly fierce in the Malaga region, pushing the mercury up and sapping the air dry from any humidity.

The latest episode could last until Friday, forecasters say, although it is expected to be less intense and persistent compared to last summer.

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Elsewhere, Aemet have also issued orange heat alerts for Hellin y Almansa near Albacete, the north-east tip of Mallorca and the Canary Islands.

There, temperatures are expected to rise to around 40C on Gran Canaria, with slightly cooler conditions on the other islands.

Back in mainland Spain, lower level yellow alerts have been issued for much of inland Andalucia and Murcia for heat, as well as the capital of Madrid, where temperatures are likely to exceed 36C just days after firefighters finally stabilised a nearby blaze believed to be the largest in recorded Spanish history.

READ MORE: IN PICS: Inside Madrid’s worst-ever wildfire as thousands flee for their lives and residents bed down in emergency shelters

Weather conditions are expected to be more volatile further north, with scattered storms forecast for areas of inland Catalunya near to the Pyrenees mountain range.

According to Aemet, the risk of wildfires will remain extreme across much of the country, with forecasters urging extreme caution.

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