High levels of dust, rain and thunderstorms forecast

For the second day in a row, the labour inspection department warned of high levels of dust in the atmosphere on Tuesday morning.

The latest hourly dust concentration, measured at 9am, was 91.9μg/m3 in Paphos, 95.9μg/m3 in Limassol, 85μg/m3 in Larnaca, 65μg/m3 in Paralimni and 80μg/m3 in Nicosia.

“Dust refers to respirable particulate matter of a diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10) in the air,” the department explained in its announcement.

“According to the relevant legislation, a limit value not to be exceeded is set for the daily average concentrations at 50 μg/m3 (microgrammes per cubic metre).”

Vulnerable groups of the population are urged to avoid circulating in open spaces until the dust subsides, as the small size of respirable particles may pose a health hazard.

Employers must take appropriate measures after assessing any risks that their employees may face while working in open spaces.

Rain and isolated thunderstorms have been forecast for the day, while temperatures will rise to 24C.

At night, snow is likely to fall on the higher peaks of the Troodos mountains.

More rain is expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperatures will drop on Wednesday and strong winds will prevail.