Extreme heat warning issued by Met Service

The Meteorology Department has recently released a new warning for extreme heat, alerting citizens to brace themselves for scorching temperatures. The warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. today, Thursday, until 6 p.m.

During this period, the maximum temperature is expected to soar to around 41 degrees Celsius in inland areas, while the higher mountain regions will experience temperatures of approximately 33 degrees Celsius. These exceptionally high temperatures could pose health risks, and authorities are urging people to take necessary precautions to stay safe and hydrated.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates that Friday will not see significant temperature changes. However, Saturday is expected to witness a slight increase in heat, and Sunday will maintain the same high levels. The continuous heatwave will result in temperatures significantly above the seasonal averages for this time of year.

Today's weather is predicted to be mainly sunny and warm throughout the day. In the afternoon, there might be some increased low cloudiness in specific areas along the western coasts. The wind direction will vary from northeast to southeast initially, and later, on the western coasts, it will shift from southwest to northwest.

The winds will generally be weak, reaching around 3 Beaufort, gradually turning to southwest to northwest by the afternoon, with a weak to moderate strength of around 3 to 4 Beaufort. Some coastal regions may experience locally moderate winds, reaching around 4 Beaufort. However, the southern and eastern coasts may encounter strong winds, registering around 4 to 5 Beaufort. The sea conditions will range from slight to locally rough.

As the day transitions into the evening, the weather will remain mainly clear. There is a possibility of sporadic increased low cloudiness along the coastal areas. Later at night, some areas might experience sparse fog, especially in the southeastern parts of the island. The winds will primarily blow from the northwest to northeast, while the northern coasts will have southeast winds, all with a weak strength of around 3 Beaufort. The sea will be calm to slightly rough during this time.

The forecast predicts predominantly sunny and exceptionally warm weather for the weekend, Friday to Sunday. Citizens are advised to be vigilant during this prolonged heatwave and to take appropriate measures to stay calm and hydrated. Staying indoors during peak heat hours, wearing light and loose clothing, and drinking plenty of water are essential precautions to beat the scorching temperatures.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and issuing regular updates to keep the public informed and safe during this period of extreme heat.

[Information sourced from Cyprus Met Service]