Renewed yellow weather warning as heatwave drags on

The meteorological department issued a renewed yellow weather warning for Tuesday for temperatures above 40C, in effect from 11am to 5pm.

Fire risk remains on “red alert” and the Forestry Department has urged caution in outdoor activities, particularly as strong winds are expected.

The weather will be mostly clear with locally increased clouds at times. Temperatures will rise to 41C inland, 37C on the north, south and east coasts, and 33C on the west coast and in the higher mountains. Winds will be mainly south-to north-westerly, weak to moderate, up to 4 Beaufort, turning to strong in the afternoon, up to 5 Beaufort. The sea will be rough.

Overnight will remain clear with thin cloud forming in the early hours. Temperatures will drop to 25C in the interior, on the north, south, and east coasts, 24C on the west coast, and 22C in the higher mountains. Winds will be remain south-to north-westerly, weak to moderate, up to 4 Beaufort. The sea will remain somewhat rough.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be clear with a slight relief expected late in the week with a dip in temperature and possible isolated rains.

The forestry department has issued a reminder that lighting a fire without a permit is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to €50,000.00 or both. Lighting of a fire, for food preparation, is only allowed in designated fire pits in official picnic areas.

The public is urged to be especially careful during completely avoiding actions and activities likely to spark a fire, including using tools or agricultural machinery that produce heat.

If anyone notices smoke or fire, they are asked to call 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately.