42'C heatwave begins in Cyprus, prompts Power Cuts – Code Yellow Warning Issued by Govt.

Another week of boiling weather has already begun, with forecasters predicting temperatures could rise as high as 42'C by Tuesday August 04.

The Weather Service issued a ‘code yellow’ weather warning on Saturday, meaning: "The weather is potentially dangerous. The weather phenomena that have been forecast are are not unusual, but be attentive if you intend to practice activities exposed to meteorological risks. Keep informed about the expected meteorological conditions and do not take any avoidable risks."

The entire island is already basking in "wall-to-wall sunshine” as a swathe of blistering hot air sweeps in from Asia.

The heat wave will peak on Tuesday with temperatures reaching 42 degrees inland, a meteorologist told the Cyprus News Agency.

The mercury this week will average around the 38 degrees mark and will gradually climb above 40ºC, with 41 degrees to 42 being the average.

On the coastal areas slightly lower temperatures, ranging from 34 to 38 degrees, are expected.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS

The heat could have health impacts, causing dehydration and exhaustion, particularly in people over age 65, infants and young children, people with medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, asthma or respiratory conditions.

People who have been consuming caffeine or alcohol are also at a higher risk of dehydration, public health officials said.


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UPDATED:

Searing temperatures have led to the consumption of 290MW of electricity on Monday 03.08.2015 reaching an all-time high.

However, record demands have led to the failure of units at both Kalecik and Teknecik power stations, leaving the country short on power Monday afternoon.

TAK reports that according to officials from KIB-TEK authorities, the diesel plant at Teknecik failed which meant the steam units had to be used.  One of the 60MW units of Kalecik also failed.

Officials have said that of the 290MW needed today, they were only able to supply 75MWs. They were trying to work out why the fault had occurred.

Meanwhile, in the South, Nicosia Municipality announced its cooling-down facility at the capital’s multi-purpose centre would be open between 7.30am and 6pm.

The centre, which is located in the old municipality’s nursing home in 40 Nikiforos Fokas street near Famagusta gate, will offer cool refreshments in its air-conditioned rooms for the next couple of days, the announcement said.

Kibris Postasi and Cyprus Mail

Credit: Famagusta Gazette