Warning over higher dust levels, warmer days

The Cyprus Pulmonology Society issued a warning on Friday regarding elevated dust levels in the air, while the warm weather is expected to continue well into the next week.

Recent days have seen an influx of dust blowing northward from the Sahara towards Cyprus.

The society advised individuals suffering from chronic lung conditions to minimise unnecessary outdoor activities and adhere diligently to their prescribed medication regimen in the event that dust settles at ground level.

Specific chronic respiratory ailments highlighted by the society included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis.

Furthermore, individuals experiencing symptoms such as breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, wheezing, or a raspy voice were urged to seek immediate medical attention.

Should atmospheric dust levels continue to rise, vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised health should also refrain from outdoor activities and take precautionary measures.

On Friday noon, the concentration of suspended particles with a diameter less than 10μm measured in Nicosia reached 62.7 mg/m3, and particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 mg/m3 was 28.3 and climbing.

The maximum safe measurement is 50 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre).

Warmer than Spring

Meanwhile, Kitas Weather reported that the warm weather will continue throughout the next week.

Temperatures are 5 to 9C higher than the norm for late March, closer to the warm weather usually recorded in late Spring, the Kitas report said.

For Saturday, the forecast is sunny with temperatures rising to 29C inland, 25-29C along the coast and 18C in the mountains.

Sunday will be warmer, 31C inland, 26-29C along the coats and 19C in the mountains, with the same temperature on Monday to Wednesday, possibly higher by 1C, and cooling down from Thursday onwards.