The heat wave currently hitting Egypt is to peak on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 47 degrees Celsius in the coastal city of Hurghada, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority has announced.

Temperatures in Cairo are to vary between 45 and 28 degrees Celsius, according to a statement from the authority on Tuesday afternoon.

Hurghada is set to be the hottest city in the country, with its temperatures reaching 47 degrees Celsius. 

The ministry of health has called on Egyptians, especially the elderly and children, to avoid going out in the sun.

People should wear hats and make sure they drink plenty of water, or juice, throughout the day to stay hydrated, the ministry said on its official website.

If any person suffers from vomiting, headaches or dehydration, especially among the elderly and children, they should immediately head to the nearest doctor, it said.

On its part, the electricity ministry has urged against the excessive use of electrical appliances like washing machines and vacuum cleaners, as well as air conditioning units, to avoid too much pressure on the electricity grid, and subsequent power cuts.  

The heat wave, which started on Sunday, is expected to end on Thursday.