Newsroom
If you step outside today, be ready for a blast furnace. Inland areas are bracing for a sweltering 43°C as an intense heatwave grips the region, prompting an orange weather warning from the Meteorological Department and a Red Alert for forest fires.
Forecasters warn that the heat will peak between 11:00 and 17:00, with temperatures hovering around 43°C inland, and about 34°C in the mountain highlands.
The Forestry Department, sounding the alarm on extreme fire danger, is urging the public to exercise maximum caution. Under the Forest Law and countryside fire prevention laws, starting a fire is a serious offence with heavy penalties. Even a stray spark could turn into disaster.
Officials stress: avoid any activities that might ignite flames, and if you see smoke or fire, call 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately.
Three-day forecast
Today – Clear skies, scorching heat. Winds southwesterly to northwesterly at 3–4 Beaufort, locally stronger in the west at 4–5. The sea will be slightly rough. Temperatures will reach about 36°C in eastern, southern, and northern coastal areas, 34°C in western coasts and the high mountains.
Tonight – Mostly clear, with a gentle breeze. Winds northwesterly, at times shifting northeast, light to moderate at 3–4 Beaufort. Calm to slightly rough seas. Temperatures will fall to 26°C inland and on the coast, and 24°C in the mountains.
Wednesday & Thursday – Relentlessly hot and mostly clear. Wednesday will see a further slight rise in temperatures, staying well above seasonal norms through Thursday.
Friday (Feast of the Dormition) – Still sunny, but a welcome drop in heat, especially inland and in the mountains, with temperatures settling just above average.
