Heat, highs of 42C and storms on the way: Alicante weather forecast August 17-20

Temperatures will rise again across the Alicante Province this week, with the hottest day expected to be Wednesday before storms arrive

There has been a bit of a shift in the weather recently, with storms in inland areas helping to break the humidity and bringing cloudier, slightly cooler mornings.

That said, this week looks set to be a scorcher, with temperatures building towards another round of storms, and this time, they could make it as far as the coast.

Here's what to expect across Alicante province from Monday to Thursday.

Monday August 17

Monday gets the week off to a mostly clear and settled start, although temperatures will already be on the rise in some areas. Alicante city will reach 34°C, while Elche, Orihuela and Alcoy could all see highs of 35°C. Dénia will be slightly cooler at 33°C.

Winds will be light and variable at first, becoming easterly around midday and moderate at times during the afternoon.

Tuesday August 18

The heat starts to build on Tuesday, with temperatures edging higher across much of the Province. Alcoy is forecast to reach 37°C, while Alicante city, Dénia, Elche and Orihuela will see highs of between 34°C and 35°C.

There could be some cloud along the coast during the early morning and again towards the end of the day, but otherwise it will be mostly clear.

Winds will again be light and variable before becoming easterly around midday, with some moderate winds possible during the afternoon.

Wednesday August 19

Wednesday looks like the day to watch, with temperatures rising sharply and much of the province feeling the heat. Orihuela could reach a scorching 42°C, while Elche is forecast to hit 41°C. Alcoy could see 40°C and Dénia 39°C, with Alicante city reaching 36°C.

There is also a change in the forecast, with some cloudy periods and the possibility of an isolated shower or thunderstorm inland during the afternoon.

Winds will be light and variable, becoming moderate at times, with westerly winds inland and southerly winds along the coast.

Thursday August 20

Thursday brings some relief from the extreme heat, particularly inland, although temperatures will still be high across the Province. Alcoy will drop back to 36°C, while Alicante city and Dénia will reach 37°C. Elche is forecast to hit 39°C and Orihuela 38°C.

The biggest change comes in the skies, with scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms possible in the north of the province. Isolated showers and storms cannot be ruled out elsewhere either.

Winds will be light to moderate, with westerly winds inland and southerly winds along the coast.

We should hopefully be through the worst of the intense summer heat now, but once the temperatures start to ease, the weather can also become a little more unsettled. 

For now though, the hot, sunny weather is still very much with us, so don’t let your guard down. Keep out of the strongest afternoon sun where possible, stay hydrated and remember that even as we get towards the end of August, the heat can still catch you out.

Minimum and maximum temperatures in Alicante this week:

Monday August 17: Min 20ºC; Max 35ºC
Tuesday August 18: Min 22ºC; Max 37ºC
Wednesday August 19: Min 23ºC; Max 42ºC
Thursday August 16: Min 21ºC; Max 38ºC

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Images: Aemet