Temperatures in parts of Spain reach highest on record for May

Extraordinarily hot' in central and southern areas, say meteorologists, with forecast of 40C in Andalucia

Parts of Spain are experiencing their hottest May since records began, as a mass of hot, dry air blows in from Africa, bringing with it dusty skies and temperatures of more than 40C (104F).

Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, has warned of a weekend heatwave of an extraordinary intensity", with temperatures between 10C and 15C above the seasonal average and more akin to high summer than mid-May.