The Department of Meteorology has issued a dual weather warning for today, with a red alert in effect from 11:00 to 17:00 as inland temperatures are forecast to reach 45°C.
The warning system began with a yellow alert that took effect from 22:00 yesterday evening and will continue until 09:00 this morning.
This will be followed by the more serious red warning during the midday and afternoon hours when temperatures are expected to peak.
A seasonal low pressure system and warm air mass are affecting the region.
Today’s weather will be mainly clear and particularly hot, with occasional locally increased moderate cloud cover.
Morning winds in the eastern half of the island will blow from the northeast to southeast, while in the western half they will be from the southwest to northwest, generally light to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort.
Gradually by afternoon, winds will become generally southwest to northwest, light to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort, and locally, mainly inland and in western areas, moderate to strong at 4 to 5 Beaufort.
Sea conditions in the southeast and east will be smooth to moderate, whilst in the southwest, west, and north they will be slightly rough, gradually becoming rough.
Temperatures will rise to around 45°C inland, around 38°C on the southern and eastern coasts, around 35°C on the western and northern coasts, and around 37°C in the higher mountains.
On Friday, the Assumption Day public holiday, weather will remain mainly clear with strengthened wind conditions.
Temperatures are expected to fall, particularly in inland and in mountainous areas, but will remain above seasonal values.
Saturday and Sunday will see mainly clear weather, though locally increased cloud cover will be observed at intervals.
Saturday will bring a further temperature drop, with readings moving closer to average climatological values for the season. No significant temperature change is expected on Sunday.
