Temperatures are expected to climb to 40C in inland areas on Tuesday, with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for extreme heat.

The warning will be in force from 2pm until 4pm, when temperatures are forecast to reach around 40C in parts of the interior.

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the region.

The weather will initially be mainly fine, though increased cloud cover around midday and in the afternoon is expected to bring isolated rain, mainly over the mountains.

Winds will initially be light and variable at 3 Beaufort, gradually becoming southwesterly to northwesterly, light to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort. Along the southern and southwestern coasts, winds may strengthen locally to 4 to 5 Beaufort during the afternoon.

The sea will be slight to locally moderate.

Temperatures will rise to around 40C inland, 31C along the western and southwestern coasts, 35C on the remaining coasts and 30C in the higher mountains.

Tuesday night will remain mainly fine, although increased low cloud is expected at times, mainly in western areas.

Winds will later become mainly northwesterly to northeasterly and light, up to 3 Beaufort, while the sea will be calm to slight.

Temperatures will fall to around 23C inland, 24C on the coasts and 20C in the higher mountains.

On Wednesday and Thursday, increased cloud during the afternoon is likely to bring isolated rain over the mountains.

More unsettled weather is expected on Friday, with isolated rain and thunderstorms forecast over the mountains and possibly in parts of the interior.

Temperatures are not expected to change significantly through Thursday, before falling slightly on Friday to levels close to the seasonal average.