Spain authorities have issued a warning for several areas as Europe continues to face blistering heatwaves. Weather warnings for extreme heat have been issued by Spain’s state weather agency for popular holiday destinations such as Malaga, Costa del Sol, and Seville.

The European cities have been engulfed by an intense heatwave in recent days, with temperatures soaring up to 40C in Greece and Spain.

Italy has also faced scorching heat, following weeks of blistering temperatures in Cyprus and Turkey, where the mercury reached the mid-40s.

According to the Spanish weather authorities, Malaga will face extreme heat conditions on Friday as the temperature levels are likely to soar to 39C with an ultraviolet index (UI) of 10.

Friday is expected to be the hottest day of the heatwave, prompting warnings for people to stay hydrated, avoid the peak sun hours, and apply plenty of sunscreen.

The AEMET said: “There will be significantly high temperatures in large areas of the southern and northeastern half of the peninsula, inland Mallorca, and the south of the central Canary Islands. Temperatures will tend to rise in most of the country.

“Temperatures are expected to exceed 35C in the southern and north-eastern half of the peninsula, inland Majorca and the south of the central Canary Islands, and even 38C to 40C in areas of Andalusia, Murcia, the south of the Valencian Community, Albacete and depressions in the north-east.”

AEMET’s advice issued this week includes only leaving homes when necessary and during cooler parts of the day, rather than midday, and keeping windows and blinds tightly closed to prevent heat from entering.

Meteoalarm has warned both visitors and locals in Spain to “be prepared”, adding: “Take precautions and keep up to date with the latest weather forecast.

“Severe damages to people and properties may occur, especially to those vulnerable or in exposed areas.”

The British Red Cross has urged tourists to take measures to protect themselves from the dangerous hot weather when travelling abroad.

William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: “Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change.

“Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life.”

The Foreign Office has also issued warnings for Spain, Italy and Greece amid soaring temperatures.