A yellow warning for heat comes into force on Thursday afternoon as temperatures are expected to climb to 40°C inland, with the Meteorological Department warning of exceptionally high temperatures.
The warning will be in effect from 2pm until 4.30pm.
Seasonal low pressure continues to affect the region.
Today’s forecast
The day will begin mostly sunny, although patches of early morning mist and low cloud are expected along the south coast before quickly clearing.
Cloud will gradually develop, with a slight chance of an isolated afternoon shower over the mountains.
Winds will be mainly south-westerly to north-westerly, initially light to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort. Along the coast, they will strengthen during the afternoon to moderate or strong, reaching 4 to 5 Beaufort.
The sea will be calm to slight, becoming temporarily slight to moderate in windward coastal areas later in the day.
Temperatures will reach around 40°C inland, 32°C on the south-west and west coasts, 34°C along the remaining coastal areas and around 30°C in the higher mountains. The yellow warning has been issued as the heat is expected to reach extreme levels during the afternoon.
Tonight
Conditions will remain mostly clear overnight, although increasing low cloud is expected later, mainly along the southern and eastern coasts.
Winds will remain south-westerly to north-westerly at 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea will stay calm to slight, although locally slight to moderate in western and northern coastal waters.
Temperatures will fall to around 23°C inland and along the coast, and to around 20°C in the higher mountains.
Outlook
Friday will be mostly sunny, with periods of increased cloud. During the afternoon, cloud developing over the mountains may bring isolated showers.
Similar conditions are expected on Saturday and Sunday, with mostly fine weather across much of the island. However, afternoon cloud over the mountains is likely to produce isolated showers or thunderstorms.
Temperatures are not expected to change significantly through Sunday and will remain above average for the time of year. The yellow warning for heat reflects the continuation of these unusually hot conditions.
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