A yellow weather warning for high temperatures has been issued for Tuesday.

According to the met office, it is expected that between 1pm and 4pm on Tuesday the maximum temperature inland will reach 40 degrees Celsius and around 32C on the higher mountainous areas.

Experts on Monday warned people to avoid sun exposure between 11am and 4pm, as a heatwave continues, with temperatures expected to reach 43C this week.

An orange weather warning is expected to be issued by Friday with temperatures spiking to 43C, meteorological officer Filippos Tymvios told the Cyprus Mail.

In a warning to the public, Limassol-based dermatologist Dr Stelios Mina said “the most important thing is to avoid sun exposure from 11am to 4pm”.

Light-coloured clothing should also be avoided according to Mina, explaining that the lighter the colour the more likely are the UV light rays to reach your skin, whereas darker colours absorb more UV rays, thus are more protective.

People should also wear waterproof 50SPF sunscreen during the day, while children aged six and younger should wear a T-shirt when at the sea or swimming pool to avoid direct sun exposure.

Late on Monday, temperatures will drop to around 24C inland and around the coasts, and 19C in the higher mountains. On Tuesday, temperatures will average to similar levels with about 35C in the coastal areas expect the west coast where temperatures will vary around 31C and 32C in the higher mountains.

Temperatures will see a small drop over the weekend, the met officer said.

The forestry department said that the risk of forest fires on Tuesday remains on red alert and asked the public to refrain from any activities that may cause forest fires.

In cases people see smoke or fire are urged to call the forestry department on 1407 or the Cyprus Fire Service on 112.