**Title: Mostly Sunny Wednesday with Highs of 40°C and Yellow Heat Warning in Effect**
**Date: 12 August 2026**
Cyprus is set to experience a sweltering Wednesday, with the Meteorological Department issuing a yellow warning for extreme heat. The warning will be in effect from 1 PM to 3:30 PM, during which temperatures are anticipated to peak at 40 degrees Celsius.
The weather forecast indicates mostly sunny conditions throughout the day. However, there may be increased cloud cover along the western coast in the morning and over the mountainous regions in the afternoon. Winds will initially be variable and light, blowing at 3 Beaufort, but are expected to shift to a mainly south-westerly to north-westerly direction. By the afternoon, wind speeds may increase to a light to moderate level of 3 to 4 Beaufort, with gusts potentially reaching strong levels of 4 to 5 Beaufort on windward coasts.
As for sea conditions, the waters will be slight to moderate, making it a relatively calm day for maritime activities.
Temperature readings across the island will vary significantly. Inland areas are forecasted to reach around 40 degrees Celsius, while the western coast will see temperatures around 31 degrees. Other coastal regions are expected to experience temperatures around 34 degrees, and the higher mountainous areas will be cooler at approximately 30 degrees Celsius.
Looking ahead to Thursday, the weather is expected to remain mostly clear, although there may be some localized cloud cover that could bring isolated rain to the mountains in the afternoon.
As the week progresses into Friday and Saturday, cloud cover is anticipated to increase from midday, potentially leading to localized rain and isolated thunderstorms, particularly in mountainous and inland areas. While temperatures on Thursday are expected to remain similar to Wednesday's highs, they are predicted to drop by Saturday, aligning more closely with average seasonal values.
Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions against the heat, especially during the hours when the yellow warning is in effect. Staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak temperatures are recommended to ensure safety.
In related news, the Troodos Observatory has announced free viewing nights for the Perseid meteor shower this week, providing an opportunity for stargazers to enjoy the celestial event.
As the summer continues, the island's weather patterns will be closely monitored, and updates will be provided to keep the public informed about any changes or additional warnings.