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Residents across Alicante province have become used to seeing weather warnings this summer, but red alerts are a much rarer sight. That's exactly what's happening this week, with forecasters warning that parts of the Costa Blanca could see temperatures soar to 45ºC on Thursday.

 

It's shaping up to be one of the hottest days of the year, and potentially one of the hottest recorded in recent summers. Aemet has placed much of southern Alicante under a red alert for extreme heat, warning that temperatures could exceed 42ºC across a wide area.

 

The hottest spot is expected to be Orihuela, where thermometers could reach a staggering 45ºC during the afternoon. Elsewhere, temperatures across inland areas of the province are expected to climb well into the 40s, creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending prolonged periods outdoors.

 

In total, 52 municipalities in Alicante province are covered by the highest-level warning, which is reserved for weather conditions that pose a serious risk to health and safety.

 

As if the heat wasn't enough, the province is also under a yellow alert for thunderstorms between 4pm and 9pm. Forecasters say some storms could bring hail and very strong gusts of wind, potentially providing a dramatic end to the third heatwave of the summer.

 

Friday will bring the first signs that the heatwave is finally beginning to loosen its grip, although nobody will be reaching for a jumper just yet.

 

Temperatures are expected to fall noticeably across much of Alicante province, with highs generally reaching around 38ºC. That's still well above average for late July, and inland areas remain under a yellow heat warning as the hot weather continues.

 

Skies will be mostly sunny, although some cloud could develop inland during the afternoon. Saharan dust is also expected to linger in the atmosphere, leaving conditions feeling hazy at times.

 

By Saturday, the weather should feel much more manageable across the Costa Blanca.

 

All weather alerts have been lifted and temperatures are expected to continue edging down inland. Coastal areas could actually see temperatures rise slightly compared to Friday thanks to changing winds, but nowhere near the extremes seen earlier in the week.

 

Most areas will enjoy long spells of sunshine, although some cloud may develop later in the day and there is a slight chance of isolated showers in northern inland parts of the Valencian Community.

 

Sunday rounds off the week on a much more comfortable note.

 

Temperatures are forecast to ease further across much of Alicante province, particularly along the coast, where conditions should feel considerably more pleasant than they have for much of July.

 

Sunshine will dominate for most of the day, although forecasters haven't completely ruled out the possibility of an isolated afternoon shower or thunderstorm in inland areas.

 

Minimum and maximum temperatures in Alicante this weekend:

 

• Thursday July 23: Min 24ºC; Max 46ºC
• Friday July 24: Min 25ºC; Max 38ºC
• Saturday July 25: Min 23ºC; Max 41ºC
• Sunday July 26: Min 18ºC; Max 36ºC

 

Find all the latest weather and climate change news here or join our Alicante Weather Watch Facebook group for regular updates

 

Images: Aemet