FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Scorching heat is set to grip Cyprus once again as the Meteorological Service issues a fresh orange warning, with temperatures forecast to hit a blistering 44°C in inland regions on Thursday.
The alert will be in effect between 11am and 5pm, with mountain areas also expected to endure highs of around 34°C.
Weather experts say the extreme conditions are the result of seasonal low pressure and a persistent warm air mass dominating the region. Winds will blow southwesterly to northwesterly at 3 to 4 Beaufort, rising to 4 to 5 Beaufort in coastal areas later in the day. The sea will remain mostly calm to slightly choppy.
Today’s heat will push temperatures to 44°C inland, 32°C along the western coast, around 35°C elsewhere on the coast, and 34°C in the mountains.
Overnight, skies will stay mostly clear, with patchy low clouds and light mist expected in the southeast by early morning. Winds will ease slightly, and temperatures will drop to 27°C inland, 25°C by the coast and 23°C in the mountains. The sea is forecast to be calm to slightly disturbed.
Forecasters warn that the hot spell will stretch into the weekend, with Friday through Sunday expected to bring more sweltering sunshine and intense heat across the island.