Heatwave strikes Spain this week with temperatures of 43ºC

And night temperatures will be an average of 25ºC across the country, hot on the heels of Barcelona airport's 26.1ºC on Saturday, the 'highest low' since 1924.

No rain and only very light winds are expected throughout the country, and not even the usual damp and chilly north-west will see a drop until at least Thursday.

Even then, the rain will be little more than a drizzle, says the State meteorological agency, AEMET.

Inland Andalucía and Murcia will see the hottest temperatures, with at least 43ºC in the shade by midday in land-locked provinces such as Córdoba, Jaén and Sevilla.

And the mercury will rise to at least 40ºC in the Ebro valley, the south and south-east, both inland and in coastal areas.

Colder regions of Spain including Galicia, Asturias and the north-west of Castilla y León, which tend to see more of a 'British summer', will experience highs of at least 38ºC in the shade, AEMET warns.

The mainland will be most affected, although the Canaries and Balearics could also see a significant rise in temperatures.

AEMET sources say the rising thermometers will be caused by a wave of hot air coming over from Africa.

This means the risk of forest fires in rural areas is heightened and residents are warned not to hold barbecues outside if they are near trees or scrubland, not to throw lighted cigarette butts out of windows or flick hot ash – smokers should open their windows just a crack and use the in-car ashtray – and no glass or plastic bottles should be left in direct sunlight either in the countryside or in cars.

Health authorities recommend staying out of the midday sun, between approximately noon and 15.00hrs, using plenty of suncream, wearing a hat, UV-protective sunglasses and loose clothing, drinking at least two litres of water – as well as sports drinks to replace lost glucose and electrolytes – and those with a pool or near the beach to cool down in the water where they can.

Spicy food, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided as they all raise body heat and can cause dehydration.

Other suggestions made by native Spaniards and long-term expatriates have included putting bed sheets in a carrier bag in the freezer for two hours before retiring, soaking flannels or hand-towels in water and placing them in the refrigerator or freezer, and splashing cold water on pulse points such as the neck, wrists, behind the knees, and also the back and shoulders.