Cyprus’s Department of Meteorology has issued a special weather bulletin warning of a serious African dust episode, urging the public to stay indoors as concentrations across the island surge well above the legal limit.
The episode is expected to affect the island from the early hours of Friday until dawn on Saturday, with concentrations reaching very high levels at intervals, the bulletin said. The department said it was monitoring the situation continuously and would issue further updates if needed.
Ground stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Department of Labour Inspection recorded the following hourly dust concentrations at 07:00 on Friday: Ayia Marina Xyliatou 2,047.0 μg/m³, Nicosia 1,167.7 μg/m³, Paphos 793.8 μg/m³, Larnaca 481.3 μg/m³, Paralimni 326.4 μg/m³, Zygi 191.8 μg/m³ and Limassol 161.8 μg/m³. The legal daily average limit for inhalable suspended particles (PM10) is 50 μg/m³.
Because the dust contains small inhalable particles that may have a negative effect on human health, the public — and particularly vulnerable groups including children, the elderly and patients — is advised to avoid open spaces until the episode passes.
Employers are reminded that under a Decree they must take appropriate measures, organisational and/or technical, after assessing the risks for employees working outdoors. Outdoor workers are advised to use suitable personal protective equipment.
Weather forecast
Friday will see cloud at intervals with isolated showers and the possibility of a thunderstorm. South-westerly to westerly winds will blow at moderate to strong force, 4 to 5 Beaufort, with the sea slightly rough to rough. Temperatures will reach around 19°C inland and on the coast, and around 8°C in the highest mountain areas.
Friday evening will be mainly clear, with increased low cloud in the west and over the mountains. Winds will ease to light to moderate, 3 to 4 Beaufort, with the sea remaining slightly rough to rough.
Saturday will bring locally increased cloud at intervals with isolated showers or thunderstorms.
Sunday will start partly cloudy before turning mainly cloudy, with local showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Monday will see increased cloud with isolated showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures over the three-day period are expected to remain slightly below average seasonal values with no significant change.
Photos and video from Cyprus Weather Enthusiasts Facebook group.
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