FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE — Cyprus is bracing for extreme heat through Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) in inland areas, 37°C (99°F) in the mountains, and between 37°C and 39°C (98°F to 102°F) along the coast, according to the Meteorological Service.
A yellow heat warning will take effect Tuesday night at 10 p.m. and remain in place until 9 a.m. Wednesday.
A red warning will follow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, marking what officials say will be the peak of the current heatwave.
Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to be the hottest days of the period, with temperatures easing slightly on Friday, the Feast of the Assumption.
A drop of about 3 degrees is expected, though highs will still exceed seasonal averages. A yellow warning may be issued again, with temperatures ranging from 40°C to 42°C (104°F to 108°F).
The heat has already prompted an orange alert Tuesday, as inland temperatures reached 43°C (109°F). Conditions are expected to normalize over the weekend, with temperatures returning to typical August levels by Saturday.
Meanwhile, sporadic electricity cuts have added to the discomfort, leaving many residents coping with high temperatures without air conditioning.