Heat reaches 41 degrees, fire danger in Cyprus rises
Heat reaches 41 degrees, fire danger in Cyprus rises
Today, Thursday, temperatures of up to 41 degrees Celsius are expected throughout Cyprus.
The authorities warn of extreme fire danger and issue urgent weather warnings.
The authorities warn of extreme fire danger and issue urgent weather warnings.
The weather service authority has issued a yellow weather warning of dangerously high temperatures. The warning is valid from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., when temperatures are highest, especially in the interior.
According to the forestry authority, there is also a red warning due to forest fire danger. The combination of a seasonal low-pressure area and a hot air mass over the region leads to both heat and an increased risk of fire. Officials stress that starting a fire, whether accidental or intentional, is a criminal offense under both the Forestry Act and the Rural Fire Prevention and Suppression Act and is punishable by severe penalties.
According to the forestry authority, there is also a red warning due to forest fire danger. The combination of a seasonal low-pressure area and a hot air mass over the region leads to both heat and an increased risk of fire. Officials stress that starting a fire, whether accidental or intentional, is a criminal offense under both the Forestry Act and the Rural Fire Prevention and Suppression Act and is punishable by severe penalties.
On Thursday, the weather will remain mostly clear and sunny, although some low clouds and fog may roll in early in the day on the east and south coasts. The wind is initially weak and changeable (around 3 Beaufort), then changes to southwest to northwest winds, becomes moderate (3 to 4 Beaufort) and can reach up to 5 Beaufort in places on the south coast. The sea is a bit rough. The maximum temperatures will reach 41 °C inland, about 33 °C on the west and southwest coasts, 35 °C on the other coasts and 31 °C in the mountains.The
sky will remain mostly clear during the night to Thursday, but more low clouds and isolated fog are expected in the early morning, again mainly along the east and south coasts. The wind will subside, mainly from the northwest to northeast with 2 to 3 Beaufort, and the sea will calm down to smooth or slightly choppy. The lowest temperatures will fall to 22 °C in the interior and on the coast and to 20 °C in the mountains at night.
In the morning there may be fog and low clouds on the coast. Temperatures will remain above the seasonal average until Saturday, before dropping slightly on Sunday.
The authorities are urging the population to be extremely careful with outdoor activities. "Avoid any actions that could start a fire," the forestry authority said. Anyone who notices smoke or flames should immediately call 1407 or the emergency number 112.
In addition to the article
, here is a comprehensive assessment of temperature development and climate change in Cyprus:
, here is a comprehensive assessment of temperature development and climate change in Cyprus:
🌡️ Historical temperature trends in Cyprus
- Warming in the 20th century: In Nicosia, the average temperature rose from about 18.9 °C to 19.7 °C – an increase of 0.8 °C
- Night vs. day temperatures: Since 1975, Tmin (minimum temperatures) have been rising by about 0.61 °C/decade, Tmax (maximum temperatures) with about 0.28 °C/decade
- Extreme heat days: In Nicosia, there were a total of 48 days with Tmax above 40 °C in 2023 – a record
📈 Present and future development
- Increase in hot nights: In 2019, the number of nights above 25 °C was 6; by 2050, this could become 36 nights – an increase of 600%
- Limit of warming by 2100: Projections point to a temperature increase of 3.6–5 °C by the end of the century
- Increase in extreme events: Heat waves such as those in July 2023 (40 °C on average, 16 days non-stop) and 2024 (up to 46.8 °C measured in Agios Vasileios) are clear indications of extreme events.
🔍 Current climate phenomena
- The WHO warns of health risks from more frequent and intense heat waves Water
- shortages is another acute problem: 2023/24 was one of the driest winters - the government is increasingly relying on seawater desalination.
✅ Assessment: Is there global warming?
Definitely yes. Cyprus is one of the "hot spots" of climate change – especially with regard to rising temperatures and heat waves. Warming is coming much faster than the global average, with massive impacts on the climate, water balance and public health.
🔭 What happens next?
- Short-term (2025–2035):
- More frequent and extreme heat days/nights.
- Increasing burdens on water supply and health care.
- Medium-term (by 2050):
- Significant increase in hot nights (up to +600% in some cities).
- Temperature increases of several °C will become the norm.
- Long-term (by 2100):
- Permanent increase in average temperature by 3–5 °C if no massive climate measures take effect
- Less precipitation, more droughts and water scarcity.
💬 Conclusion
Cyprus is in the midst of clear and rapid global warming – with massive consequences such as more extreme heat waves, water shortages and increasing health risks. In short, the climate is getting warmer, harsher and drier – and we are already feeling it clearly.
🔗 Sources on climate and temperature development in Cyprus
- Financial Times – Climate change & health risks in Southern Europe
👉 Europeans at risk from tropical illnesses due to climate change - Climate Adaptation Platform Cyprus (Adapt2Climate)
👉 Climate Change Report Cyprus – Official National Platform - ClimateData.eu – Temperature Patterns & Projections for Cyprus
👉 Cyprus Climate Profiles & Climate Models - EU Climate Adaptation Strategy / Cyprus Government Reports
👉 National Adaptation Strategy for Cyprus (PDF) - Weather.com (The Weather Channel) – Heat in Cyprus Cyprus Summer 2023
👉 Extreme heat in Cyprus – July 2023 - Cyprus Mail (English daily newspaper)
👉 Temperatures to hit 45°C – Heatwave alert - UNDP Report Cyprus – Impacts of climate change
👉 UNDP Cyprus Environment Programme
