Filenews 25 July 2023
The Department of Meteorology opens a window of hope in relation to the heatwave conditions, which bake Cyprus and exterminate citizens for almost 20 days, causing one death from heat stroke. As mentioned in "F", from next Sunday the temperature is expected to fall to normal levels for the season, ie 38 degrees.
However, until then, Cyprus will remain a furnace. Today, the mercury will still remain pinned at 41 degrees Celsius, putting in place a new yellow warning for extreme heat. For its part, the Department of Forests maintains the red alert level for fire danger, while the Fire Service appeals to citizens to be particularly careful, announcing, at the same time, that it had to try to extinguish fires that broke out after the use of fireworks or other causes.
In particular, the senior officer of the Department of Meteorology, Michalis Mouskos, speaking to "F", said that from next Sunday onwards, the temperature will roll to normal levels, around 38 degrees. "The Azores system is receding," which, he said, trapped in our region "hot air masses from Africa, which gave prolonged heat wave conditions." However, he stressed, extreme heat will persist until the end of the week.
"I don't remember us recording such a long period of time, almost 20 days, with temperatures above 40 degrees," he noted, adding that Cyprus will still be boiling at 41 degrees today. He said wind gusts blowing in the area could relieve some of the heat. "We are going through the hottest period of the summer," he said, urging citizens to follow the recommendations of experts to protect themselves.
From the extreme heat of the previous days, an elderly person is hospitalized with heat stroke in critical condition in an Intensive Care Unit. However, at least five other patients who were also hospitalized with heat stroke were discharged.
Meanwhile, a new yellow warning from the Department of Meteorology is in effect until 6:00 in the afternoon, as the temperature will rise around 41 degrees in the interior and around 33 degrees in the mountains. At the same time, the Department of Forests issued a "red alert" for the risk of explosion and expansion of forest fires. It is forbidden to light a fire without permission, and the offense carries severe penalties.
The Fire Service in cooperation with the Department of Forests also appealed to the public to be particularly careful, avoiding completely actions and activities that may cause fire. For example, avoid the use of tools or agricultural machinery that generates heat, sparks or flame, such as emery, welding and welding. Particular attention should also be paid to preventive measures to avoid fire caused by the exhausts of various generators or water pumps in the open air. Burning grass, branches and garbage is prohibited and lighting fires anywhere in the countryside is prohibited except for food preparation at the special points of the camping sites. "Anyone who notices smoke or fire is asked to call 1407 (Department of Forests) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately," a joint statement with the Department of Forests said.
In addition, the spokesman of the Fire Brigade, Andreas Kettis, reported that yesterday a fire broke out in Ayia Thekla, Ayia Napa. It burned about three decares, in which acacia trees and other trees, EAC pillars were located, while a parked pickup truck was also affected.
