Europe's hottest day EVER? Temperatures in Spain could reach record-breaking 48C this week

Parts of Europe could reach as high as 48C this week – the hottest temperatures for the continent EVER.

Much of Spain is on alert as the country’s weather agency warns that temperatures could surpass 40C due to a hot air mass moving northwards from the African continent.

The Met Office has warned that the sizzling temperatures could reach as high as 48C in Spain and Portugal over the next few days.

They tweeted: ‘Temperatures across Iberia could beat the all time continental European record of 48°C.’

Spain’s Meteorological Agency says eight provinces in the southern Andalusia region and around Madrid are under high risk because of the heat wave hitting the country starting on Wednesday.

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Two dozen more provinces are also on a lower level of alert, with the agency saying that the mercury could hit 44C in three major river valleys on Thursday and Friday.

Authorities are warning against venturing outdoors during the peak sunny hours of the day and advising citizens to drink water and keep houses and vehicles as cool as possible.

Nearly 11,000 voluntary firefighters, police and soldiers are on standby in Portugal in case wildfires break out.

Southwest France will also face soaring temperatures, while the UK is also set to see temperatures in the low 30s before the weekend, after a brief respite of cooler weather.

The Met Office added: ‘Summer looks set to return to all parts through the next few days with a steady rise in temperatures.’

However, temperatures are expected to cool down again by Sunday.