The Valencian Community is facing several more critical days of exceptional high temperatures, as a mass of hot, dry air from North Africa moves across the region. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, has issued orange and yellow weather warnings for Tuesday 21 July.

An orange alert is in force from 1pm to 9pm in inland northern and southern Valencia, where temperatures are expected to reach 40C. Yellow warnings cover inland Alicante, parts of the Alicante coast and areas of Castellón and coastal Valencia, with highs ranging from 36C to 39C.

Forecasters have also warned of afternoon thunderstorms in inland southern Valencia between 4pm and 9pm. These may bring gusty winds and so-called “heat bursts”, where temperatures can rise sharply in a matter of minutes. High humidity and light winds are expected to make conditions feel even more oppressive, with apparent temperatures exceeding 40C in several municipalities.

Although maximum temperatures may ease slightly on Wednesday, tropical or even equatorial nights are forecast along the coast, with minimum temperatures remaining above 24C in many areas. Meteorologists warn that westerly winds later in the week could increase the risk of wildfires to extreme levels.