The heatwave in southern Europe is set to reach its next peak: south-eastern Spain, in particular, is set to be affected this week.

In the Murcia region, temperatures are set to rise to 45°C on Thursday. The Mediterranean waters are also unusually warm at almost 30°C around the Balearic Islands.

Greece is experiencing temperatures of over 40°C for the first time this summer – until now, this popular holiday destination had been spared from extreme heat. On Wednesday in particular, the risk of forest fires is very high due to strong winds.

However, the heat is not set to last long, particularly in the Peloponnese region to the south.

From Friday, showers and thunderstorms will bring a significant drop in temperature there, bringing it below 30°C. On the Iberian Peninsula, however, the heat is set to continue.