A yellow warning for high temperatures remains in force on Tuesday as the mercury is expected to reach 40C inland, with a gradual easing forecast over the coming days.
According to the Department of Meteorology, the warning will be in effect from 2pm until 4pm, when maximum temperatures in inland areas are expected to rise to around 40C.
A seasonal low-pressure system is affecting the region.
Yellow warning in force
The weather is expected to remain mostly clear throughout the day.
Winds will initially be variable and light at 3 Beaufort, gradually becoming southwesterly to northwesterly, blowing at 3 to 4 Beaufort and locally reaching 5 Beaufort along southern coastal areas.
The sea will be calm to slightly rough.
Temperatures are forecast to reach:
- 40C inland
- 30C on the west coast
- Around 35C on the remaining coasts
- 31C in the higher mountains
Cooler conditions expected
Tonight, conditions will remain mainly clear.
Winds will become northwesterly to northeasterly, and southeasterly along northern coastal areas, at around 3 Beaufort.
Temperatures are expected to fall to:
- 20C inland
- Around 22C on the coasts
- 18C in the higher mountains
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the weather will remain mostly clear, although periods of increased local cloud cover are expected.
The Meteorology Department said temperatures will gradually decline over the coming days, moving closer to seasonal averages.
