Nicosia: Cyprus is experiencing its hottest days of the summer so far with the first orange warning for extreme heat issued this year in effect from 1200 until 1700 local time on Wednesday and due to be repeated on Thursday, while the risk of forest fires remains at "red alert" level, according to the Department of Forests.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Meteorological Officer Andreas Chrysanthou stated that inland temperatures are expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius on both Wednesday and Thursday. "Wednesday and Thursday are the hottest days of the summer so far," he noted.
Coastal areas will see temperatures ranging between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, with high humidity levels adding to the discomfort, Chrysanthou mentioned.
A slight relief is anticipated on Friday as temperatures are expected to ease, followed by a more noticeable drop over the weekend, lowering by 4-5 degrees Celsius from current levels. "We will get at least temporary relief from these conditions from Friday onwards," Chrysanthou assured.
The orange warning is active from 1200 until 1700 local time, advising the public to take precautions against the extreme heat. Temperatures are expected to peak between 1400 and 1500 local time.
Temperatures are predicted to remain around weekend levels on Monday, before rising again from next Tuesday, Chrysanthou added.