A high concentration of dust is recorded in the air on Wednesday prompting the relevant labour inspection department to issue a warning for vulnerable groups.

Measurements from ground stations of the air quality monitoring network showed the highest concentrations of dust were recorded in Nicosia, followed by Paphos and Limassol.

The public, particularly the elderly, children and those with respiratory conditions, are urged to avoid going outdoors.

Employers must take appropriate measures after assessing any risks faced by employees working in outdoors, and it is recommended that workers use appropriate protection.

The hourly dust concentrations measured at 10am were 132.4 μg/m3 in Nicosia, 116.9 μg/m3 in Paphos, 104.2 μg/m3 in Limassol, 78.8 μg/m3 in Larnaca, in 41.6 μg/m3 Paralimni and 39.6 μg/m3in Ayia Marina Xyliatou.

High dust concentrations will be observed on Thursday as well, according to the daily meteorological department’s announcement.

Meanwhile, the met office said that weather on Wednesday will be partly cloudy with the possibility of isolated showers and thunderstorms in the higher mountains. Temperatures during the day will rise to around 28C inland, south and east coasts, 26C on the west coast, around 27C on the north coast and 18C in the higher mountains.

At night, the weather will gradually become mostly clear, with temperatures expected to drop to around 15C inland, 18C around the coasts and 11C in the higher mountains.

Temperatures will remain on similar levels until Saturday, with the possibility of isolated showers in the next two days.