Dust Phenomenon Expected To Retreat in CYPRUS

The high levels of dust in the atmosphere in Cyprus are expected to retreat by Thursday, when the high temperatures are also expected to fall. 

However, the temperature will remain much above the average levels during the whole week, including the weekend when it is expected to reach again 40 decrees Celsius.

According to Panayiotis Michael, Meteorological Officer A΄, the two phenomena, the high levels of dust and the heat, are linked since they were brought to Cyprus by the same warm air masses, coming from the East, and specifically from Syria, Jordan and Iraq.

Replying to a question, Michael said that the dust will start to retreat by noon tomorrow, but the phenomenon will essentially be reduced on Thursday. He added that the temperatures will drop slightly on Thursday around 37-38 degrees, but on Friday and the weekend “we expect another heat wave with temperatures around 40 degrees. The average temperature ranges for the season around 34 degrees”.

The Department of Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, announced that on Tuesday the hourly concentration of respirable particles in ambient air with diameter less than 10 micrometers (PM10), were between the maximum value of 2407 μg/m3 with minimum value of 193 μg/m3.

Because of the small size of the respirable particles and their negative effect on human health, the public and especially the vulnerable groups of population (children, the elderly and patients) are advised to avoid outdoors and exercising in open spaces during this event. Also, the Department recommends that the workers in open spaces use appropriate means of personal protection.

At the same time, the dust in the atmosphere caused problems in the landing of airplanes at Larnaca international airport. As a result, from 9 am (6 am GMT) five flights to Larnaca were diverted to Paphos international airport.

Adamos Aspris, spokesman for Hermes airports,said that due to the dust the visibility limit in the area of Larnaca airport is currently at 500 meters, which creates great difficulties in the processing of the flight plan of the airport. He noted that normal visibility limit at airports worldwide in a normal day is 10 km.

SOURCE - HERE