Hot summer on the cards

Spain is set for another very hot summer, according to the seasonal forecast by state weather agency AEMET.

is set for another very hot summer, according to the seasonal forecast by state weather agency AEMET.

AEMET meteorologists noted that 'it is probable' that temperatures will be higher than average in the east of the country and the Balearic Islands.

The average is worked out with figures recorded over the last 30 years.

Their forecast is backed by the Mediterranean Climate Outlook Forum (MedCOF), which has predicted that the summer is set to be hotter than normal, 'above all in the south-eastern Mediterranean'.

At the same time, it is likely that rainfall will be below average in the whole of Spain over the next three months, according to AEMET and Med- COF. The general trend towards a hotter, drier climate in south-east Spain was confirmed by the figures for May.

While last month's weather was colder and wetter than average in the centre and west of the country, the area stretching from the south of Valencia to Almería was warmer and drier.

On Monday, the south of Alicante province and parts of Murcia region were placed on yellow alert for heat.

The thermometer reached 37.6ºC in Torrevieja – the highest temperature ever recorded in the month of June in the town. The highest temperature in the country that day was recorded in Murcia city, where the mercury shot up to 40.3 ºC, closely followed by Orihuela city with 39.7ºC.