Elevated dust levels, warm day ahead

High concentrations of dust were recorded in some areas in Cyprus, especially in Nicosia, on Wednesday morning, while temperatures are expected to peak at 29C inland.

The hourly dust concentration was 209.4 μg/m3 in Nicosia, 53.9 μg/m3 in Paralimni, 69.7 μg/m3 in Larnaca and 70.4 μg/m3 in Limassol at 8am.

Levels were below 50 μg/m3 in Paphos.

Dust refers to respirable particulate matter of a diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10) in the air. According to the legislation, a limit value not to be exceeded is set for the daily average concentrations at 50μg/m3 (microgrammes per cubic metre).

Dust levels are expected to be back to normal by the late afternoon.

On Thursday, temperatures are forecast to drop but will remain at levels higher than is normal for early April.

According to the met office, it will be significantly cooler on Friday and Saturday when some rain is likely to fall, and sleet or snow in the higher mountains.