The high temperatures in Cyprus continue today with the temperature reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the risk of forest fires remains at the "Red Alert" level.
The Met Office has issued a new yellow warning in effect until 18:00 Monday afternoon.
The maximum temperature is expected to rise to around 42 degrees Celsius in inland areas and around 32 degrees Celsius in the higher mountains.
Besides, the Department of Forestry refers to the risk of explosion and extension of forest fires, which remains at the "Red Alert" level.
It is emphasized that lighting a fire without a permit is prohibited and that it constitutes an offense which, according to the Forestry Law of 2012, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to €50.000 or both penalties together and according to the Prevention of Fires in the Countryside Law of 1988 up to 5 years or a fine of up to €20.000 or both sentences together.
Lighting a fire, for food preparation, is allowed only in the barbecues of the picnic areas.
It also appeals to the public to be especially careful during their excursions, completely avoiding actions and activities that are likely to cause a fire, such as the use of tools or agricultural machinery that produce heat, sparks or flame, such as emery, oxygen welding and electric welding.
If someone notices smoke or fire, they are asked to call 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately.
Detailed weather forecast:
Seasonal low pressure and hot gas mass affect the area.
Today the weather will be clear and warm. Winds will initially be mostly northeast to southeast and later mostly southwest to northwest, light to moderate 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea will be somewhat rough. The temperature will rise to around 42 degrees in the interior, around 39 on the northern coasts, around 37 on the southern and eastern coasts, around 35 on the rest of the coasts and around 32 degrees in the higher mountains.
Tonight the weather will be mostly sunny. Winds will be mainly northwest to northeast, weak 3 and locally to moderate 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea will be somewhat rough. The temperature will drop to around 26 degrees inland and on the coasts and around 20 degrees in the higher mountains.
Over the next three days, the weather will be mostly clear and warm.
The temperature is expected to drop slightly on Tuesday and gradually rise slightly until Thursday, to remain well above the average climatic values.