Emergency Services are on alert as Cyprus prepares for the hottest weekend of the year so far.

Temperatures are expected to hit 41oC today, with government run hospitals gearing up to handle increased cases of heatstroke.On Thursday public health officials warned people to take precaution to avoid exhaustion and dehydration.

Nicosia and the midlands could see the mercury hitting 43oC, with the blistering conditions expected to last through the weekend, but humidity will be fairly low according to forecasters.

The heat could have health impacts, causing dehydration and exhaustion, particularly in people over age 65, infants and young children, people with medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, asthma or respiratory conditions.

The dry air and strong sun could also create a fire danger with conditions ripe for wildfires.

Last week there were several wildfires in the Limassol and Paphos district.

Source: Famagusta Gazette