Spanish heatwave ‘worst in 20 years’ as holidaymakers urged to avoid alcohol

Spain’s department of health has warned people to stay indoors as much as possible, drink plenty of water and to avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day

Spain's weather service says a mass of hot air from north Africa is triggering the country's first major heat wave of the year with temperatures expected to rise to 43C in certain areas. Picture: AP /Paul White

Holidaymakers have been warned to prepare for a Spanish heatwave as a mass of hot air from North Africa sweeps over the country.

Regions of Spain under a status orange temperature warning are Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Madrid and Catalonia, where temperatures upwards of 40C have been recorded.