The MET services have recorded alarming levels of humidity to add to the scorching temperatures, and are warning of further rises in the coming days.

Yesterday, humidity levels reached 98 per cent in Larnaca, 91 per cent in Akrotiri, 87 per cent in Nicosia and 86 per cent in Paphos.

Overall, it seems that this will encourage extremely high temperatures over the next few days."We expect that tomorrow it will get very hot early in the morning (around 11am), and it is likely to remain at 39 degrees until five or six in the afternoon", meteorological officer Stalo Papachristou said yesterday.

We are very likely to face extremely high temperatures and high humidity levels in August, she added.

Based on previous practice, it is expected that if the high temperatures and humidity persist, the Labour Inspection Department will issue guidance concerning safe practices for working in open spaces. In extreme weather circumstances, the Labour Minister has the discretionary power to ban work in open spaces.

A number of outdoor workers have suffered from heatstroke recently, and one died last month.

The meteorological services warn that if conditions remain unchanged, we are likely to face a heatwave very soon.

Source: Cyprus Mail