The centre of Florence is expected to hit North Carolina's southern coast on Friday, then drift southwest before moving inland on Saturday.

The Department of Meteorology warned Friday of strong wind at places in the afternoon. Weather inshore until 6pm on Friday will be misty at places by early morning, becoming hot during the daytime with slightly dusty at times at night.

More of the tens of thousands of Northern California residents who fled a deadly wildfire were awaiting permission to return to their homes on Wednesday.

The weather office has also issued a marine warning for strong winds and high seas on Saturday.

On Thursday, the mercury level is likely to rise to 48C in Al Khor and 46C in Doha.

Temperatures have risen since Monday night and the cooling winds from the Arabian Sea have stopped.

Strong winds are expected in parts of the country at times today, the Qatar Met department has said, while also issuing a marine warning for windy conditions and high seas.

Wind speed may go up to 25 knots inshore during thundery rain and 22 knots offshore in the early hours of the day, with the sea level rising to 7ft.

Other places that recorded high temperatures on Tuesday were Abu Samra - 37C (up by 6C from Monday’s 31C), Jumayliyah - 37C (up by 7C from Monday’s 30C).

Strong winds are expected in some places in the early hours of Monday. Windy conditions and high seas are also likely in offshore areas.

The temperature is expected to rise slightly over the weekend before dropping significantly from January 28 as the country will be affected by strong northwesterly winds, the Qatar Met department has said.

Northwesterly winds will blow at 15-25 knots before decreasing to 8-18 knots by the afternoon. Slightly dusty conditions are expected, and it will also be partly cloudy at times.