Orange Warning: Kleon's heatwave crisis escalates

Heatwave "Kleon" intensifies in the Central Mediterranean, causing scorching temperatures in recent days. Meteorologist Andreas Chrysanthou, speaking on "SPOR FM 95.0" radio show "News Broadcast," warned that the hottest days would be today and tomorrow, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius inland. The mountainous areas will reach 31 degrees, while tonight's minimum temperature won't drop below 25 degrees Celsius. Chrysanthou attributed the persistence of high temperatures to the prevailing northerly and northeasterly winds in the region, which are considerably higher than normal for this season. He added that the "Kleon" system would gradually subside until Tuesday, with a slight temperature decrease expected on Sunday.

In response to the escalating heat, the Meteorological Service issued a new orange alert, warning of high temperatures. The minimum temperature is not expected to fall below 25 degrees Celsius on the inland, eastern, southern, and western coasts, while the maximum temperature could reach around 43 degrees Celsius inland and around 32 degrees Celsius in higher mountainous regions.

The orange alert, effective from 9:00 PM Friday to 6:00 PM Saturday, indicates potential dangers due to extreme temperatures. The public is advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their well-being.

Furthermore, Chrysanthou explained that the current weather conditions are influenced by a weak area of low pressure combined with warm and dry air masses. This atmospheric setup, coupled with the impact of the "Kleon" system, leads to the persistence of high temperatures across the island.

The forecast for the afternoon anticipates clear skies, with predominantly southwest to northwest winds blowing weak to moderate at speeds of 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea conditions are expected to be generally calm, with slight disturbances in the southwestern region.

As night falls, the weather will remain clear, accompanied by northwest to northeast winds. Later, the winds will shift to the southeast in the northern coastal areas. These winds will be weak to moderate, blowing at speeds of 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea will be calm to slightly rough. Temperatures will drop to approximately 27 degrees Celsius in the inland, southeastern, and eastern coastal regions, around 25 degrees Celsius in other coastal areas, and around 23 degrees Celsius in higher elevated regions.

Tomorrow, the weather will continue to be clear and warm. Initially, the winds will blow from the northeast to the southeast and then shift to the southwest in the western coastal areas. These winds will be weak to locally moderate, at speeds of 3 to 4 Beaufort. In the afternoon, the winds will gradually shift from mainly southwest to northwest, remaining weak to moderate at speeds of 3 to 4 Beaufort, with local areas experiencing moderate winds at 4 Beaufort. The sea will be calm to slightly rough, with occasional slight disturbances in the southwest. Temperatures will rise to around 43 degrees Celsius inland, approximately 37 degrees Celsius in the southeastern and eastern coastal areas, around 35 degrees Celsius in other coastal regions, and about 32 degrees Celsius in higher elevated areas.

The subsequent days, including Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, are expected to maintain clear weather conditions.

On Sunday, a slight temperature decrease is projected for inland areas, while coastal regions will experience similar temperatures. However, until Tuesday, temperatures will gradually decrease but will remain above the average expected values for this time of year.

As the heatwave "Kleon" persists, authorities continue to advise residents and visitors to take necessary precautions, stay hydrated, and limit exposure to the scorching temperatures.

[Information sourced from Cyprus Met Service]