Yellow heat warning issued as inland temperatures set to reach 40C

Nicosia, Cyprus. The meteorological department has issued a yellow warning for extreme heat on Wednesday, when maximum inland temperatures are expected to reach around 40C. The warning will be in force from 1pm until 3.30pm.

Wednesday forecast

A seasonal low-pressure system continues to affect the region. Wednesday is expected to be mostly clear, with periods of increased cloud during the day and a possibility of isolated afternoon showers, mainly over mountainous areas.

Winds will initially be light and variable at around force 3 Beaufort, gradually becoming southwesterly to northwesterly at force 3 to 4. They may reach force 5 at times along the south coast. The sea will be slight.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 40C inland, 31C on the west coast, around 34C on the remaining coastal areas and 30C in the higher mountains.

Night and following days

Overnight conditions will remain mostly clear, although low cloud may develop locally. Winds will gradually turn northwesterly to northeasterly, while south-easterly winds are expected along the north coast. Winds will remain light at force 3, and the sea will be calm to slight.

Minimum temperatures are expected to fall to around 22C inland, 24C on the coast and 20C in the higher mountains.

Thursday will be mostly clear with occasional increased cloud and a chance of isolated afternoon showers, mainly in the mountains.

A more unstable air mass is expected to move into the region from Friday. Mornings on Friday and Saturday are forecast to be mostly clear, with cloud building during the afternoon and bringing isolated showers and thunderstorms, mainly over mountainous and inland areas.