Just as many people on the Costa Blanca were enjoying a brief break from the extreme heat, the forecast has swung back in the opposite direction.
Meteorologists warn that temperatures will climb sharply across much of Spain over the coming days.
Inland parts of Alicante province are expected to bear the brunt.
According to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), settled and increasingly hot weather will take hold from Friday, 3 July. Temperatures are then expected to continue rising into the weekend.
If current forecasts prove accurate, inland areas of the Costa Blanca could see daytime highs of between 36°C and 40°C. Coastal towns will also become increasingly uncomfortable as rising humidity pushes up the heat index.
Heat dome building over Spain
Forecasters say the developing weather pattern is typical of a so-called “heat dome”. A large area of high pressure traps hot air close to the ground for several days.
These conditions usually bring cloudless skies, light winds and relentless sunshine. As a result, temperatures build day after day with very little overnight relief.
The hottest conditions are expected inland, although much of the Valencian Community will return to full summer conditions after several days of more changeable weather.
AEMET has not yet officially declared a heatwave. However, the agency says the episode could meet the criteria if the extreme temperatures persist for several days.
Inland areas could approach 40°C
Weather models suggest inland towns will experience the highest temperatures. Some locations could reach 38°C or even approach 40°C during the hottest part of the day.
Along the coast, sea breezes should prevent temperatures from climbing quite as high. Even so, the combination of heat and humidity is expected to create muggy conditions.
Clear skies throughout the weekend will allow stronger sunshine and help temperatures continue to rise.
Tropical nights return
The heat will not disappear after sunset.
AEMET forecasts the return of widespread tropical nights, with overnight temperatures remaining above 20°C.
Along much of the Alicante coastline, temperatures may struggle to fall below 22°C or even 24°C. In some places, conditions could approach a “torrid” or “equatorial” night, where the heat barely eases before sunrise.
