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Cyprus is sweltering under a severe heatwave, with an orange alert in effect Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Meteorological Department said.
Temperatures are expected to soar to 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) inland and around 34 degrees (93 Fahrenheit) in the higher mountain regions. The heat is being driven by a seasonal low-pressure system and a mass of warm air affecting the area.
Skies will remain mostly clear and conditions hot throughout the day. Winds will blow from the southwest to northwest at light to moderate strength, 3 to 4 on the Beaufort scale, strengthening to 4 to 5 Beaufort in exposed coastal areas. Seas will be slightly rough.
Daytime highs are forecast to reach 44°C inland, 32°C on the western coast, about 35°C on other coastal areas, and 34°C in the mountains.
Overnight, skies will stay mostly clear. By early morning, patches of low cloud and localized fog or mist may form, especially in southeastern areas. Winds will remain from the southwest to northwest at 3 to 4 Beaufort, becoming lighter and more variable inland. Seas will stay slightly rough in the west but will calm to slightly rough elsewhere. Temperatures overnight will fall to 27°C inland, around 25°C on the coasts, and 23°C in the mountains.
The hot and mostly clear conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.
Temperatures will remain well above average through Sunday, with little change forecast.
