A sweltering heatwave has gripped Cyprus, with temperatures hitting 33C inland on Wednesday, but relief is on the way as cooler air and even thunderstorms are forecast by the weekend.

The country remains under a blanket of hazy skies, with fine dust particles lingering in the atmosphere until Thursday. Coastal areas will see slightly milder conditions, with highs of 27C in the south and east, while western and northern coasts will stay around 24C.

Winds will shift throughout the day, starting as light to moderate northwesterlies before turning southwesterly by afternoon, reaching strong gusts of up to 5 Beaufort along southern coasts. The sea will remain slightly rough.

Overnight, skies will clear, and temperatures will drop sharply, plunging to 12C inland and just 9C in mountainous regions. Coastal areas will stay milder, between 14C and 16C.

By Thursday, patchy clouds will dominate, but the real shift comes on Friday and Saturday. Scattered showers are expected, with isolated thunderstorms possible on Saturday.

Temperatures will fall closer to seasonal averages, marking an end to the current heatwave.

For now, residents and tourists are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure, while those planning weekend activities should prepare for wetter conditions.