THE State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a warning about ‘very adverse’ weather on Wednesday and Thursday in Alicante province.

It says there will be a strong persistent westerly wind coupled with maximum temperatures that could reach 43C in pre-coastal and coastal areas.

Aemet warns that in addition to the danger to health, especially in vulnerable people, the risk of forest fires starting will be classified as extreme.

It adds that temperatures will start falling this weekend and could end up below average for the time of year in late August.

The forecaster has announced an orange level warning of significant danger for the northern coast of Alicante province on Wednesday between 1pm and 9pm,

In the province interior and the southern coast, maximum temperatures of 40C are predicted.

Aemet forecasts mainly clear skies for the first half of Wednesday with intervals of medium and high clouds during the second half.

Minimum temperatures after a succession of humid tropical nights will continue unchanged, but maximum values will rise significantly.

Orihuela City could reach 42C, followed by Elche on 41C, Alcoy with 40C, and Denia with 39C.

Winds will be light and variable during the first hours, switching to moderate west and south-westerly in the afternoon.

Thursday will see a fall in temperatures but it will still be very warm, with chance of occasional showers accompanied by storms- especially in the south of Alicante province.

But significant changes will start to develop from Friday and over the weekend.

Aemet says there will be a sharp drop in temperatures that will continue into the early half of next week, and highs come the end of August could actually be lower than average.

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