Mainland Europe is currently in the grip of an extreme heatwave with temperatures almost double the annual average

 Europe is set to experience its hottest day ever as Spain and Portugal look likely to reach 48C

Europe is set to experience its hottest day ever as Spain and Portugal look likely to reach 48C

Spanish authorities have started making emergency preparations for the intense heatwave, which is expected to last until at least Sunday.

Forecasters say the fiery “furnace” blast from the Costas is good news for sun lovers here in the UK with temperatures tipped to hit 36C.

Met Office meteorologist Nicola Maxey said: “Temperatures will increase by a couple of degrees day by day with highs in the upper 20Cs quite widely by Friday and into the low 30Cs in places at the weekend.

“Warmer air will be arriving from Iberia and the Continent from the middle of the week leading to an increase in temperatures.”

Now some forecasters are saying the thermometer could hit 36C by the middle of next week and that would beat Britain’s 35.3C hottest day for three years last Thursday.

FULL STORY