NICOSIA - A searing heat wave gripping Cyprus triggered a record demand for electricity Monday as residents switched on the air conditioning full blast, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) said.

The power grid reached an output of 707 megawatts, an all time record for electricity use in Cyprus

The eastern Mediterranean island has wilted under temperatures way above the average 33 C (91.4 F) for the time of year since June 7, with the thermometer peaking at 42 C (107.6 F) Monday.

Since the heatwave started demand has increased 36 per cent

EAC said. A high pressure system from North Africa is responsible for the heatwave but Tuesday might bring a cooling. The island's fire and medical services are on alert to control blazes and treat heatstroke victims.

Seriously criticised during the killer heat wave of 1998, which claimed 60 lives, the government has put in place wide ranging contingency plans. The hottest day on record is August 8, 1956, when a temperature of 44.4C (111.9 F) was registered.

Copyright 2002 WeatherOnline & AFP