August has arrived with intense heat, prompting the Department of Meteorology to issue a yellow warning for extreme maximum temperatures.
The warning, numbered 42, is in effect on Saturday, 1 August, from 2pm to 4.30pm, with temperatures forecast to reach 41°C inland.
Heat warning in force
According to the Meteorological Service, maximum temperatures are expected to reach:
- 41°C inland
- 36°C in most coastal areas
- 32°C along the north, west and southwest coasts
- 32°C in the higher mountains
Forecast
Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area.
Saturday will be mostly clear, with winds initially variable before becoming mainly southwesterly to northwesterly, light to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort. Seas will be slight to a little rough.
Overnight, conditions will remain mostly clear. Winds will gradually turn northwesterly to northeasterly at around 3 Beaufort, while seas will be calm to slight.
Minimum temperatures are expected to fall to:
- 24°C inland
- 24°C along the coast
- 19°C in the higher mountains
Outlook
Conditions on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are expected to remain mostly clear.
Temperatures are forecast to change little, remaining above average for the season.
