**Yellow Weather Warning Issued as Inland Temperatures Set to Hit 40°C**
The Cyprus Meteorological Department has issued a yellow weather warning for extreme maximum temperatures expected to affect inland areas on Friday. Residents should prepare for temperatures to soar to around 40°C between 2 PM and 4:30 PM, prompting advisories for heat-related precautions.
Forecasts indicate that Friday will start off mostly clear, although there will be an increase in cloud cover as the day progresses. Isolated showers are possible over the mountainous regions during the afternoon, providing a slight respite from the heat for some areas.
Winds are predicted to be light and variable at first, with speeds around force 3 on the Beaufort scale. However, conditions are expected to change as winds shift to a southwesterly to northwesterly direction, increasing to force 3 to 4, and potentially reaching force 4 to 5 along coastal areas later in the afternoon. The sea conditions will be calm to slightly rough, with the possibility of becoming temporarily rough on windward coasts as the day progresses.
In terms of temperature distribution, the inland areas are expected to feel the brunt of the heat, reaching around 40°C. Coastal areas will experience milder temperatures, with the west and southwest coasts around 32°C, while other coastal regions will see temperatures around 34°C. The higher mountainous areas will remain cooler, with expected temperatures around 29°C.
As night falls, the weather is forecasted to remain mostly clear, although increased low cloud may develop, particularly along the coast. Early Saturday morning may bring patchy mist or fog in southern and eastern regions. Winds are expected to ease, becoming light downslope at around force 3 Beaufort, and sea conditions will continue to be calm to slightly rough.
Overnight temperatures are projected to drop to around 24°C in both inland and coastal areas, while higher mountainous regions will cool down to approximately 20°C.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain predominantly clear through Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with occasional periods of increased cloud cover. Afternoon cloud development over the mountains could lead to isolated showers or even thunderstorms. Temperatures are not anticipated to change significantly over the weekend and will remain above average for this time of year.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and take necessary precautions to protect against the heat. As the weather evolves, the Meteorological Department will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.