Cyprus moved from a yellow to red weather warning on Friday as authorities cautioned over a “severe episode” of African dust that has engulfed the island, bringing hazardous air quality and unsettled weather conditions into the weekend.

An emergency bulletin issued by the met office said the phenomenon would intensify from the early hours of Friday through to Saturday dawn, with particle concentrations “expected to be very high at times”.

The dust plume, originating from North Africa, follows a low pressure system that has already brought rain and instability across the region.

By Friday morning, monitoring stations recorded extremely elevated levels of airborne particles across the island.

In Nicosia, concentrations reached 1167.7 micrograms per cubic metre, far exceeding the legal daily limit of 50, while even higher levels of 2047 were measured in Ayia Marina.

Other areas including Paphos, Larnaca and Paralimni also recorded significantly increased readings.

Officials warned that the dust consists of fine inhalable particles that “may have a negative impact on human health”, urging the public, particularly vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor movement.

Children, the elderly and those with underlying conditions were specifically advised to remain indoors until conditions improve.

Employers were also called on to assess risks for outdoor workers and implement protective measures, while those exposed are advised to use appropriate personal protective equipment.

The dust cloud is expected to spread across the island after initially affecting western regions, with skies turning hazy and visibility reduced despite intermittent sunshine.

Earlier forecasts had already cautioned that “huge amounts of dust” were moving eastwards towards Cyprus, with concentrations fluctuating through the weekend.

Weather conditions will remain unsettled alongside the dust.

On Friday, periods of increased cloud are expected to bring isolated rain, with the possibility of thunderstorms.

Winds will strengthen to between 20 and 40 kilometres per hour, while temperatures will hover around 19 degrees in Nicosia and along the coast, dropping to about 8 degrees in Troodos.

Conditions are forecast to ease slightly by Friday night, with clearer skies developing, although low cloud is expected over mountainous regions.

Saturday will see intervals of increased cloud, with isolated rain or thunderstorms likely, particularly in Nicosia.

By Sunday, the weather will become mainly cloudy, with localised rain and storms continuing across parts of the island.

The unsettled pattern is expected to carry into Monday, with further showers or thunderstorms possible.