Cyprus' Department of Meteorology issued a yellow warning for 'extreme high temperature' between 21.00 Tuesday and 18.00 Wednesday.

According to the warning, the minimum temperature inland is not expected to drop below 26 degrees Celsius on Tuesday after 21.00. On Wednesday, the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 41 degrees Celsius inland and around 33 degrees Celsius in the higher mountainous areas, it said.

At the same time, the Department of Forestry informs the public that on Wednesday the risk of forest fires eruption will remain at the 'Red Alert' level.

It stressed, in an announcement, that lighting a fire without a permit is prohibited and constitutes an offence which, according to the Forests Act could lead to imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to pound 50,000 or both while the Prevention of Fires in the Countryside Act, provides for up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to pound 20,000, or both.

Lighting a fire for food preparation, is only allowed in the barbecue areas of picnic sites, it said.

It also calls on the public to be especially careful during their outings, to avoid actions and activities that are likely to cause a fire, such as the use of tools or agricultural machinery that produce heat, sparks or flame, such as angle grinders, and welding.

In case anyone notices smoke or fire, they are asked to "immediately" call 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Service).

Source: Cyprus News Agency