– A mini-heatwave is forecasted to last at least over the next three days in Cyprus.
– A yellow weather warning is in effect from 2:30pm until 3:30pm.
– Temperatures will reach 40C inland, 34C on the south and east coasts, 31C on the remaining coasts, and 30C in the higher mountains.
– Winds will be light and variable, up to 4 Beaufort, with a complete absence of wind at times during midday hours.
The gardens are looking very summery with tropical trees and flowers starting to bloom. The jacarandas were the last trees to flower, and some trees may surprise with another flowering later in the year. Some favorite trees mentioned include Caesalpinia gilliesii, Leucophyllum frutescens, and Polygala myrtifolia. The text also discusses Tecoma stans, plumeria, and roses. The Plant of the Month is Oenothera speciosa, a ground-hugging plant with fragrant pink blooms loved by bees and butterflies.
Two fires in Limassol, one near Agios Silas and the other in Agios Therapon, are believed to have been deliberately set according to Nikos Logginos, Chief Firefighter. Arson is suspected in both incidents, with Logginos stating that the fires were intentionally started to cause destruction. Firefighting efforts were challenged by rugged terrain and strong winds, but firefighters were able to protect homes and prevent the fire from spreading towards Palodia. Forces will remain in the area to address any potential flare-ups in the coming days.
![Agios Sylas fire front improving, authorities say [PHOTOS+VIDEO]](https://ch.jfdi.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/agios-sylas-fire-front-improving-authorities-say-photosvideo.jpg)
A fire broke out in the Agios Sylas area of Limassol, prompting a large operation by the Fire Service and other services to contain it. Efforts are ongoing for complete containment, with the situation having significantly improved. Civil Defence evacuated residences, businesses, and livestock farms in the Polemidia area. Three aircraft and multiple firefighting teams were deployed to combat the blaze, with ground forces creating firebreaks despite strong winds. The Minister of Justice and Public Order oversaw operations at the forward command centre, and the Limassol-Troodos Road has been reopened. Drivers are urged to exercise caution in the area.
Nymphia Wind, the first East Asian winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, returned to Taiwan for a homecoming performance in Taipei. She is now seen as an unofficial ambassador for Taiwan and a champion of its democratic values, having participated in protests and performed for the outgoing President. Nymphia’s win has inspired others in Taiwan’s drag community to be themselves and express their true selves, despite occasional hostility from conservative groups.
The state of California is implementing policy changes that will impact Hollywood’s creative community who use loan out corporations to manage their business affairs. This change will require Hollywood employers to pay creative talent wages as individuals rather than as fees owed to a business entity. This will result in full income tax withholding and payment of employee and employer taxes on all income earned by the owners of loan-out companies. The change is in line with California’s labor-friendly policy agenda under Governor Gavin Newsom.
Scientists are working to determine the gender, approximate age, and possibly the ethnicity of the owner of a foot found on Lara Beach. However, unless the foot belongs to a missing person with available DNA, their identity will remain unknown. The discovery highlights the countless lives lost in the Mediterranean Sea, with the foot serving as a reminder of the tragedy. Despite efforts to uncover details about the foot, the news has already faded from headlines, overshadowed by other pressing matters.
Google, owned by Alphabet, will invest 1 billion euros into expanding its data centre campus in Finland to support the growth of its artificial intelligence business in Europe.
Researchers in Europe are working to inform residents about clean energy options.
South Africans will vote in a national election on May 29 with uncertainty about the outcome, as polls suggest the African National Congress may lose its majority after 30 years in power. Key issues include high unemployment rates, sluggish economic growth, power cuts, corruption scandals, high rates of violent crime, and rising anti-immigrant sentiment. The government is working to address these issues, with a focus on job creation, economic growth, and tightening immigration laws.