Filenews 28 July 2025 - by Evangelina Sizopoulou
The suffocating cocktail of heat and humidity continues today, with the mercury expected to climb to 40 to 41 degrees Celsius.
According to the forecasts of the Meteorological Service, although today this will be the picture in terms of weather conditions, tomorrow a drop of one degree is expected, with the maximum temperature in the interior being 39°C, in the mountains at 31°C and on the coast between 31°C and 34°C.
The mild decline will continue on Wednesday, with the temperature dropping by another degree, reaching 38°C in the interior and 29°C in the mountains, while in coastal areas it will remain stable around 31-34°C.
Similar conditions are expected to prevail on Thursday and Friday, with the mercury stabilizing at 37°C inland, 29°C in the mountains and between 31°C and 34°C on the coast.
Along with the high temperatures, the humidity will gradually increase from today, reaching 50% during the day and in the evening at rates of 60% to 90%. On Tuesday and Wednesday, humidity will remain high, mainly in coastal areas (40-80%).
As for the winds, from Tuesday and especially Wednesday, they are expected to temporarily strengthen, with their intensity reaching 5 to 6 Beaufort.
However, the previous particularly difficult days also caused health problems.
Specifically, until yesterday afternoon, four people were hospitalized in state hospitals with heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
In addition to the 88-year-old man who has been hospitalized for the last few days with heat exhaustion at the Nicosia General Hospital, two other men, aged 89 and 78, were admitted for hospitalization with symptoms of heat stroke. Their health condition is considered serious, but stable.
At the same time, the health condition of a 61-year-old man who is hospitalized at the Limassol General Hospital with mechanical support due to heat stroke is considered serious.
As the spokesperson of the State Health Services Organization, Charalambos Charilaou, told filenews, the prolonged heat wave endangers mainly people belonging to the vulnerable groups of the population. "It is no coincidence," he added, "that most of the patients who are admitted due to symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion are our elderly and people with chronic diseases."
Red alert for fires
The risk of an explosion and expansion of forest fires will be at a red alert level today, according to an announcement by the Department of Forests.
The authorities are on high alert, as the conditions are characterized as extremely dangerous for causing a fire in the countryside. The announcement emphasizes that causing a fire constitutes a serious criminal offense. The relevant laws, such as the Forestry Law and the Fire Prevention in the Countryside Law, provide for very severe penalties for violators.
The Department of Forestry makes a strong recommendation for full compliance, in order to protect the country's forest wealth. At the same time, a warm appeal is addressed to the public to show maximum attention during their excursions.
Citizens are urged to completely avoid any action or activity that could cause a fire. In case someone notices smoke or fire, it is crucial to notify the authorities immediately, calling either 1407 (Department of Forests) or 112 (Fire Service).
In addition, special attention is also needed for workers who are exposed to these weather conditions.
The Department of Labour Inspection (TEE) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance proceeded to issue an announcement informing that yesterday it was required to stop all outdoor heavy and moderate works between the hours of 12:00-16:00, as well as the transport of products with two-wheeled vehicles or personal mobility devices.
The Technical Chamber reminds that employers must apply the measures provided for in the Codes of Practice for Thermal Stress.
