THIRD heatwave to hit the Costa Blanca this weekend with temperatures already reaching 40.7 degrees

A THIRD blast of hot Saharan air is expected to hit the Costa Blanca this weekend, with temperatures today already reaching 40.7 degrees in Xativa.

Interior municipalities – such as Orihuela and Alcoy – are expected to experience the brunt of the heat.

But increased humidity will leave all of Alicante with muggy nights, according to the Spanish Met and the Climatology Laboratory of the University of Alicante.

The Marina Alta comarca has seen the pre-emergency level for forest fires increased to ‘extreme risk’ – the maximum level.

Meanwhile the rest of Alicante has been raised to ‘high risk’, according to the Generalitat Valenciana’s communication department for emergencies and security.