Temperatures are expected to hit 42C by mid-week, the meteorology department said on Monday.

With the thermometer hitting 40C, a yellow weather warning for high temperatures is in force until 6pm on Monday and vulnerable groups, children and the elderly are urged to take the necessary precautions.

The maximum temperature is expected to rise to around 40C inland, 36C in the south, east and north coasts, 33C on the rest of the coasts and 31C in the higher mountains.

On Monday night the weather will be mostly clear with temperatures expected to remain high, averaging to around 26C inland and on the south and east coasts, 24C on the west and north coasts and 19C in the higher mountains.

The temperature will gradually rise until Thursday, remaining above average for the season, soaring to 42C, the head of the meteorology department Kleanthis Nicolaides told radio Trito.