Irish tourists warned of 'significant danger' as popular holiday destination bakes in heatwave

Irish people heading abroad to Spain have been told to 'take extreme precautions' as much of the country is under a Status Orange warning for high temperatures

Irish tourists travelling to Spain in the coming days have been hit with a major weather warning for high temperatures and storms.

The national forecaster AEMET has predicted a long heatwave which is expected to impact most of the country until at least early next week.

Irish tourists have even been warned that parts of Southern France would be scorched by highs of up to 40 degrees this week, temperatures which are well above normal for this time of year.

AEMET has warned on Thursday for people to "take extreme precautions" as "significant danger" is posed by the Status Orange weather warning in place for today and Friday for high temperatures.

The warning is also in place for storms and rain.

The forecaster said the heatwave is "intensifying" and will last until at least Tuesday, 12 August with highs of 40 to 42 degrees in large areas over the weekend.

Some of the affected areas will include popular tourist destinations such as the Canary Islands.