Cyprus is bracing for a scorching day, with the Meteorological Department issuing a yellow warning for extreme heat as inland temperatures are set to soar to 40°C.
The alert is in force between 1.30pm and 4pm, as a seasonal low pressure system settles over the region.
Forecasters say skies will remain largely clear, though cloud is expected to build over the mountains during the afternoon. Winds will blow south-westerly to north-westerly at force 3 to 4, picking up to force 4 to 5 along the coast as the day wears on, with seas calm to slightly rough.
While inland areas swelter under 40°C heat, there’s some relief at the coast: temperatures are expected to reach 32°C on the west and south-west shores, 36°C elsewhere on the coast, and a comparatively cool 30°C in the higher mountains.
Overnight, skies will stay largely clear, though patches of low cloud may drift in along the coastline. Light fog or mist could form as dawn approaches, chiefly in southern and eastern districts. Winds will drop away to a gentle breeze, with seas remaining calm to slightly rough. Temperatures overnight will dip to 24°C inland and on the coast, and 21°C in the mountains.
The warm spell shows little sign of abating: forecasters expect largely clear conditions with occasional cloud from Tuesday through to Thursday, with temperatures edging up further by Wednesday before levelling off on Thursday — remaining well above the seasonal average throughout.
