Cyprus' Department of Meteorology issued two heat warnings on Wednesday, forecasting temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius inland on Thursday as the island remains in the grip of a prolonged heatwave.
A yellow warning for high overnight temperatures will be in effect from 9pm on Wednesday until 6am on Thursday.
The department said minimum temperatures are not expected to fall below 28°C in inland areas and 26°C along the coast during the warning period.
An orange warning for extreme high temperatures will then be in force from 12pm to 5pm on Thursday.
Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach around 44°C inland and about 33°C in the highest mountain areas.
The heatwave is expected to persist through Thursday, maintaining elevated temperatures across much of the island.
Electricity in the balance
The warnings come as Cyprus' electricity grid operator has warned that power supply margins are under significant pressure because of high demand linked to the heatwave and reduced generation capacity at two power stations.
The Transmission System Operator (TSO Cyprus) said electricity demand coverage during evening peak hours between 6pm and 10pm on Wednesday and Thursday was "extremely marginal" following faults at Electricity Authority of Cyprus generating units at the Dhekelia and Vasilikos power stations. The operator appealed to consumers to limit electricity use during peak hours to help maintain the stability of the power system.
