A red warning is in place for Friday, from 11 am to 5 pm, as temperatures are expected to peak at 45C inland and 35 in the mountains.

The met office said early on Friday that the previous amber warning was cancelled and replaced by the red warning.

The Department of Meteorology on Friday revised its alert level from yellow to red by issuing an extreme maximum temperature warning.

It noted that inland temperatures will rise to around 45 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures in the higher mountains will reach 35 degrees.

The warning is effective from 11 a.m. on Friday to 5 p.m. on the same day.

Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution during outings and avoid activities that could spark fires, including using tools or machinery that generates heat, sparks, or flames.

All vehicle access to forest areas is closed and lighting fires, including at designated barbecue areas at picnic sites, is strictly prohibited until further notice.

The labour inspection department on Wednesday ordered that all outdoor heavy to moderate work must cease between midday and 4 pm due to extremely high temperatures until the end of the week.