Spain must prepare for an extreme heat episode in the coming days, with temperatures possibly reaching 40°C in the southern regions of the country, warns the National Meteorological Service (Aemet).

The days of May 29 and June 1 are likely to be the hottest for those specific dates at least since 1950, Aemet warns via [source] and forecasts temperatures 6°C to 7°C above normal for this time of year across the entire country.

The episode, expected to last at least until Sunday, will be caused “by the arrival of a very hot air mass coming from North Africa,” according to Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo.

The rise in temperatures, which may reach summer-like levels, will be felt across most of the country, with “some areas experiencing maximum temperatures exceeding the usual values for this time of year by up to 10°C, especially in northern, eastern, and southern Spain.”

In some parts of Andalusia, the thermometer may reach 40°C, according to Aemet’s estimates, and new record high temperatures for May may be recorded.

Spain is on the frontline of climate change. The last three years have been the hottest ever recorded, with successive heatwaves occurring.

Scientists say extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and storms, are becoming more intense due to climate change.

Last winter was very mild and was the second without any cold spells, according to Aemet. Nine out of the last ten winters were warmer than usual, according to the National Meteorological Service’s data.