Brace yourself for another scorcher!

The relentless heatwave in Cyprus shows no sign of abating, with temperatures continuing to sizzle above 40 degrees. Today, Thursday (13/06), the mercury is expected to skyrocket to a scorching 43 degrees. An orange warning is in effect from 12:00 noon until 17:00.

A warm air mass is affecting the region, accompanied by thin dust in the atmosphere, which will gradually subside by Saturday.

Today the weather will be predominantly clear and hot, with occasional low clouds or sparse fog along coastal areas. Winds will initially be southeast to southwest and locally northwest to northeast, light at 3 Beaufort. Later, they will shift to southwest to northwest, light to moderate, 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea will be choppy to slightly choppy. Temperatures will soar to around 43 degrees inland, 37 degrees on the south, east, and north coasts, and 34 degrees on the west coast and in the higher mountains.

Tonight expect mainly clear skies, with localised thin fog or low clouds likely to form, especially along the coast. Winds will be mainly westerly to north-westerly and locally up to north-easterly, light and occasionally moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea will be calm to a little rough. Temperatures will dip to around 25 degrees inland, and on the south, east, and north coasts, and around 24 degrees on the west coast and in the higher mountains.

On Friday the weather will remain mostly clear and hot, with temperatures staying well above average.

Saturday will have mostly clear skies with strong westerly winds. Temperatures will drop noticeably but will still remain above seasonal averages.

On Sunday, mainly clear skies, with increasing clouds developing in the mountains after midday, possibly bringing isolated rain. Temperatures will drop significantly but remain above average for the season.

Red Alert for Fire Danger:

On Thursday, the risk of forest fires remains at a "red alert" level, according to the Forestry Department.

Lighting fires without permission is prohibited and punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to €50,000.00, or both under the Forestry Act 2012. Under the Prevention of Rural Fires Act 1988, it is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to €20,000, or both. Cooking fires are only allowed in designated barbecue areas.

The public is urged to be extremely cautious, avoiding activities that could spark fires, such as using tools or machinery that produce heat, sparks, or flames.

If you notice smoke or fire, immediately call 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Department).