The Health Ministry has issued heat safety advice to the public as temperatures remain extremely high across Cyprus.
In a statement, the ministry said protective measures are especially important during the summer months, particularly when temperatures exceed 40°C.
People are advised to check the Department of Meteorology’s daily forecasts and official heat warnings, and to remain in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned spaces wherever possible.
Avoid the sun during the hottest hours
The ministry recommends keeping homes cool by using shade, ventilating naturally during the evening and using air conditioning where available.
Prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided, particularly between 11am and 5pm.
People are also advised not to carry out strenuous physical work or exercise during the hottest hours of the day.
The heat safety advice also includes drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, even when not feeling thirsty, unless a doctor has given different instructions.
Excessive consumption of alcohol and highly caffeinated drinks should be avoided, while light and frequent meals, particularly fruit and vegetables, are recommended.
Wear light clothing and check on vulnerable people
The public is advised to wear light, loose-fitting and pale-coloured clothing made from natural materials, as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
People should also remain in regular contact with elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone living alone or unable to care for themselves.
Babies and young children should be protected from the heat and dressed in light clothing.
The ministry warned that babies, children, elderly people and pets should never be left inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Food safety during extreme heat
Food should be kept refrigerated at the correct temperature during periods of intense heat.
The public is advised not to consume food that has been left outside the refrigerator for extended periods.
Strict hygiene rules should also be followed when preparing, cooking and storing food.
Warning signs of heat-related illness
Early symptoms of heat exhaustion may include a severe headache, dry mouth, intense thirst, weakness, extreme fatigue, dizziness or faintness.
Other signs can include heavy sweating with cold and clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat or fast breathing.
The ministry stressed that heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical treatment.
Anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion should be moved immediately to a cool or shaded area and given water, provided they are conscious.
If symptoms do not improve, become worse or heatstroke is suspected, the public should call 112 immediately or contact their personal doctor.
“Until medical assistance arrives, continue efforts to cool the person and reduce their body temperature,” the ministry said.
Temperatures to reach 39°C inland
Seasonal low pressure is affecting the region.
The weather will remain mainly clear during the afternoon, although increased low cloud will gradually develop in western areas.
Winds will blow mainly from the southwest to northwest, light to moderate at force 3 to 4 Beaufort. Along the coast, they will be moderate to strong and temporarily strong at force 4 to 5.
The sea will generally be calm to slight, becoming temporarily slight in southern and western areas.
Mist and low cloud expected overnight
The weather will remain mainly clear overnight, although increased low cloud will develop at times, particularly along the coast.
Thin mist or fog is expected to form later and during the early morning, especially in southern, eastern and inland areas.
Winds will gradually become downslope and locally variable at force 3 Beaufort.
The sea will be slight in the west and calm to slight along the remaining coasts.
Temperatures will fall to around 21°C inland, 23°C along the coast and 20°C in the higher mountains.
Above-average heat to continue
After early low cloud, mist and fog clear, Wednesday will be mainly fine, with locally increased cloud over the mountains after midday.
Winds will initially be onshore and locally variable at force 3 Beaufort, gradually becoming mainly southwesterly to northwesterly at force 3 to 4.
The sea will be slight in the west and calm to slight elsewhere.
Temperatures will rise to around 39°C inland, 31°C along the southwestern and western coasts, 34°C along the remaining coasts and 29°C in the higher mountains.
Local low cloud, mist or fog is expected during the morning on Thursday, Friday and Saturday before conditions become mainly clear.
Cloud developing over the mountains around midday and during the afternoon could bring an isolated brief shower.
Temperatures are not expected to change significantly through Saturday and will remain above seasonal norms, reinforcing the need to follow official heat safety advice.
Also read: Stay cool this summer
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