Tuesday’s temperatures are expected to be similar to Monday, reaching 40°C inland, but, after a small drop on Wednesday and Thursday, it is expected to get even hotter on Friday and the weekend.
Speaking to state radio on Tuesday morning, Meteorological Department official Michalis Mouskos said: “Today’s temperatures will, much like yesterday, see inland temperatures rise to 40 °C. It will be between 32°C -35°C on the coasts and 32°C in the mountains”.
Mouskos continued that after inland temperatures dropped to 39°C on Wednesday and Thursday: “They will rise to 41°C and even 42°C on Friday and over the weekend”.
He said that while humidity remained low enough to prevent the declaration of an actual heat wave, the high temperatures meant that people, and vulnerable groups in particular, should take particular care.
“Expose yourself to the sun as little as possible, drink plenty of water, eat lightly, and wear light clothing. Basically, do what we have to do in Cyprus every summer,” Mouskos advised.
The Meteorological Department has also extended its Yellow level Extreme High Temperature Warning first issued on Sunday.
The Health Ministry lists those who are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures and the sun as infants and young children, the elderly, pregnant women, obese individuals, those who are not used to working in a hot environment, those with heart problems, diabetics, those with respiratory problems, kidney problems, and other ailments.
The Health Ministry recommends that frequent exposure to the sun is avoided, as is aimlessly moving around and heavy exercise.
It is best that cool locations with shade are preferred, while crowded places are best avoided.
Light clothes with light colours should be chosen, with hats and sunglasses worn if you are exposed to the sun.
Alcoholic beverages, coffees and heavy meals are also to be avoided, and plenty of water should be consumed frequently.
Fans and air-conditioning during the hotter hours of the day are a good idea, and lukewarm showers can also help.
Anyone dealing with chronic health issues, such as respiratory or heart problems, as well as pregnant women would do well to consult their doctor for any special measures they might need to take.
According to EU standards: “YELLOW level weather alerts are for weather conditions that do not pose an immediate threat to the general population, but only to those exposed to risk by nature of their location and/or activity”.
The Fire Service has also reminded people to take particular care as the heat also contributes to the likelihood of blazes breaking out and spreading.
Source: in-cyprus.com