TEMPERATURES yesterday soared to 40 degrees inland with little hope for relief with forecasts of little change over the next three days.
Nicosia residents bore the worst of the effects of the heat wave which hit the island on Sunday, and the Labour Ministry was forced to issue an announcement telling workers to avoid working outdoors between the hours of 12 noon and 4pm.
“Temperatures of 40 degrees and 16 per cent humidity in Nicosia on Sunday determine it was a heat wave, and there was serious discomfort in all other towns,” meteorological services head Kyriakos Theofilou told reporters yesterday.
“Temperatures are highest in the interior at 40 degrees, an outlook which doesn’t change much over the next few days. Today, temperatures have reached 40 degrees and will remain that way for the next three days. Temperature in the south and east coasts reached 34 degrees, 31 degrees in the west and 29 degrees in the mountain regions.”
He added: “Inland temperatures are four degrees higher than normal for the season.”
The Labour Ministry said that due to the high temperatures and humidity levels Limassol and Nicosia workers should not be exposed to direct sunlight during midday and 4pm.
“Light work in a covered area, with light clothes and plenty of fresh drinking water can be carried out,” the announcement added.
Labour inspectors said the order would mostly affect the construction and agriculture industry who worked outdoors. Employers failing to implement the directive were in breach of labour regulations and open to investigation, but the ministry said violations of this kind had not happened in recent years.
Nicosia residents kept indoors during the peak heat hours, with many complaining that weather conditions had become insufferable.
“It’s awful. There’s not even the remotest breeze. I can’t take it. Even going to the pool doesn’t help because you just sit there and swelter. All you can do is stay indoors, turn on the air conditioner and watch television,” 20-year-old Melanie Christophides said.
Those who did venture out did so only out of necessity.
“I had to come out because it’s lunchtime and I’m hungry. I hate the heat but to be honest I’m used to it by now. Hopefully it won’t last much longer and the worst of the summer weather is over,” added 35-year-old Andreas Andreou.
