Orange alert as Cyprus heatwave intensifies

Cyprus meteorological services have issued an orange warning for Tuesday as temperatures are expected to hit a maximum of 43 degrees Celsius as the blistering heatwave continues.

Tuesday’s scorching 43 ̊C is expected to be recorded as the hottest day ever in May and the warmest day of the year so far.

This follows Monday’s record of 42.5 ̊C, before that the hottest day ever recorded was in May was last year when temperatures of 42.1°C were recorded.

Head of the Meteorological Department Kleanthis Nicolaides said that this year’s May has also seen the longest heatwave ever recorded for the month, as temperatures stay above 40 ̊C for a fifth consecutive day.

On Tuesday, inland areas will see maximum temperatures of 43°C, while southern coastal areas will record temperatures of around 39°C, western coastal region 37°C and mountain areas around 33°C.

Temperatures are only expected to drop below 40°C on Friday, while thunderstorms are on the menu for the upcoming weekend.

Meanwhile, the Forestry Department also issued a red alert for Tuesday as the danger of wildfires is extremely high. The public is urged to “avoid actions and activities which may cause a fire.”

On Monday, the Fire Department said that it had responded to 42 calls, out of which 36 involved a blaze in the countryside.

There are also higher than average levels of dust concentration in the atmosphere.