A yellow weather warning for extremely high temperatures comes into force on Thursday at 2pm, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C inland before unstable conditions bring isolated rain and thunderstorms.
Seasonal low pressure is affecting the region, while an unstable air mass will begin influencing the island from Thursday, according to the Meteorological Service.
The yellow warning will be in effect from 2pm until 4.30pm on 13 August.
Isolated rain and thunderstorms expected
Most areas will remain mainly clear on Thursday, with temporarily increased local cloud cover.
From midday onwards, however, clouds developing mainly over the mountains are expected to bring isolated rain and an isolated thunderstorm.
Winds will initially be variable and light at 3 Beaufort, gradually becoming south-westerly to north-westerly at 3 to 4 Beaufort. Along the southern and eastern coasts, winds will strengthen to 4 to 5 Beaufort during the afternoon.
The sea will generally be calm to slight, becoming temporarily slight in windward areas during the afternoon.
Temperatures to reach 40°C inland
Temperatures will rise to around 40°C inland, 31°C along the western and south-western coasts and 35°C along the remaining coasts. Temperatures in the higher mountains will reach around 29°C.
Thursday night will remain mainly clear, although increased low cloud is expected at times, particularly in coastal areas.
Winds will gradually become downslope and light at 3 Beaufort, while the sea will remain calm to slight.
Temperatures will fall to around 24°C inland, 25°C along the coast and 21°C in the higher mountains.
Thunderstorms possible through the weekend
Friday, Saturday and Sunday will remain mainly clear across most of the island, with temporarily increased local cloud cover.
From midday onwards, clouds developing over the mountains and parts of the interior are expected to bring isolated rain and thunderstorms. Hail cannot be ruled out during thunderstorms.
Temperatures will fall slightly on Friday and remain at similar levels through Sunday, bringing them close to the seasonal average.
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