Cyprus weather gets code red

Weather officials in Cyprus have issued for the first time a red warning for Monday, with temperature highs expected to reach 44 degrees in the interior and 36 high up in the mountains.

The Meteorology Department issued a red weather alert for Monday afternoon effective from 1pm until 5pm, citing extreme high temperatures reaching 44 Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) in the interior and 36 high up in the mountains as well as in the east and south, while it will be 34 in the north and out west. 

While officials say a slight drop will take place gradually from Tuesday through Thursday, however, temperature highs are expected to remain above normal averages throughout the workweek and could climb back up again Friday and on the weekend.

Meteorology Department director Kleanthis Nicolaides said this was the first ever red warning issued since his office was tasked with issuing weather alerts, adding that people in vulnerable group categories - very young children, the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, and those taking certain medications - should stay out of the sun at any cost during the hottest hours of the day.

“We are at the end of the month, when grandpas go to the bank to cash their cheques to get cash, but they must not do this between 12 noon and 4pm, which is the time when solar radiation is at its maximum,” Nicolaides said.

The director also warned other members of the public, including employers and workers, to be “extremely careful” regarding outdoor activities.

Experts say excessive heat is not only uncomfortable but it could also prove to be deadly, as people become more susceptible to exhaustion and heat stroke.

A red weather alert is meant to call for specific actions, urging members of the public to take precautions and follow advice issued by state and local authorities. It also means people should take action to plan ahead and bring others, including pets and possessions, to safety.

Under the red warning, municipal authorities are also being advised to expect possible infrastructural breakdowns that may be caused due to extreme heat.