The inland communities can expect another day of 40C while the coasts and mountains will provide some respite – with a slight decrease expected on Friday, but still above the seasonal average.

A yellow alert is in place from midday to 5pm.

The temperature on Thursday is to hit 40C inland, 32C on the west coast – with 32C on the rest – and about 31C in the mountains.

The weather is to remain calm with temperatures at night dipping to 25C inland, around 23C on the coasts and 19C in the mountains.

A slight decrease is expected on Friday, but remaining above the seasonal average, the meteorological office said – noting that no major changes are expected until Sunday.