Spain braced for record April temperature of 39C as extreme heat causes misery

Government warns people to take precautions amid drought and heat 7C-11C above average for time of year

The Spanish government has advised people to take extra care as the drought-stricken country experiences record-breaking temperatures that could result in an unprecedented April temperature of 39C (102F) in parts of Andalucia on Friday.

This week's abnormally high spring temperatures - caused as a mass of very hot air from north Africa travels across the Iberian peninsula and the Balearic islands - have already led the regional government of Madrid to approve a plan to help hospitals, health centres and schools cope, and to order the opening of public swimming pools a month earlier than usual.