The Meteorology department has issued a heat wave warning.

According to the met office temperatures will be 4 to 7 degrees above the seasonal average for the next couple of days.

The met office has warned of extremely high temperatures over the next few days as a heat wave affects the island.

On Thursday a yellow weather warning is in place from 11am until 6pm.

Temperatures will rise to 40C in the interior, 38C on the southeast and east coasts, 36C on the remaining coasts and 32C in the higher mountains.

Winds will be mainly north-westerly to north-easterly, light to moderate up to 4 Beaufort.

Over the weekend, the weather will remain clear and hot, with a rise in temperature expected on Friday.

On Saturday temperatures will remain stable, with a slight drop on Sunday, however staying well above the seasonal average.

The met office has advised the public to avoid spending long periods of time outdoors or working under the heat without taking any precautions.