RED ALERT: Spain at ‘extreme risk’ from 40ºC temperatures but Costa del Sol to AVOID heatwave

NORTHERN Spain has been placed on red alert as extreme temperatures scorch Europe.

Extreme risk, the highest warning possible, is predicted for much of the country today, Friday and Saturday.

Catalunya, Aragon, La Rioja and Navarra are the worst affected regions, while the Costa del Sol will remain safe.

Temperatures in the hottest areas are expected to break the 40ºC barrier.

Meanwhile the heatwave has already arrived in Mallorca with temperatures of 32.5ºC recorded before 9am in Banyalbufar.

Andalucia has orange warnings in place for parts of Granada and Cordoba this weekend, while Sevilla is only on yellow alert.

Temperatures in the high 30s are expected throughout much of Andalucia over the next few days, while 40ºC is forecast in Jodar, Jaen on Sunday.

This weather event, affecting most of western Europe, is the 10th heatwave in Spain since 1975.

Scientists say the scorching temperatures are due to hot air from the Sahara Desert moving northwards – sometimes dubbed an African plume.

This is due to the combination of an Atlantic Ocean storm and high pressure over central Europe.