Ben Pawlowski
BARCELONA has recorded its highest-ever temperature of 40C as the city bakes in a sweltering heatwave.
The city broke the 40C barrier for the first time ever on Tuesday, surpassing the previous record of 39.8C recorded in July 1982.
The figure was registered at the Fabra Observatory, located at Tibidabo, the iconic mountain which overlooks the Catalan capital.
Barcelona is currently in the midst of an exceptionally intense heatwave, with overnight temperatures failing to dip below 27C throughout much of the city.
In the neighbourhood of El Raval, characterised by its tight, historic streets and proximity to the iconic Las Ramblas, temperatures reached 39.3C, the hottest figure recorded in 14 years.
A red weather alert for extreme heat is in place across much of Spain, including Catalunya, indicating a serious risk to life
According to AEMET, the state meteorological agency, the period of hot weather, caused by Saharan winds, will last until Thursday.
Temperatures are currently hovering around 10 degrees above the seasonal average.
In Catalunya, local authorities have raised the forest fire prevention plan to Level 4, the highest level possible, in 131 municipalities, forcing many parks to restrict access to members of the public.
The government are asking the public to take extreme precautions. Lighting fires in open space, the use of pyrotechnic, camping, and sports activities in natural forest spaces are currently prohibited.
