Cyprus issues extreme heatwave warning and suspends outdoor labor
Cyprus is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures inland expected to reach a record 44°C on July 23, 2026. The Department of Meteorology has issued an orange-level weather warning, in effect from 12:00 to 17:00, covering areas below 300 meters in altitude and more than 10 kilometers from the coast. The extreme heat follows a record-warm night in the capital, where temperatures did not drop below 28°C.
In response to the dangerous conditions, the Ministry of Labour and the Labour Inspection Department have mandated the suspension of all heavy and moderate outdoor work, including deliveries via motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters, between 12:00 and 16:00. Employers are required to rotate staff, provide increased rest breaks, and adhere to established safety codes for thermal strain. For areas not covered by the orange alert or for light tasks, employers must monitor temperature and humidity levels to ensure safety. Civil Defence authorities have urged the public, particularly vulnerable groups, to take protective measures against the heat, as conditions are expected to remain high throughout the day.