Cyprus is bracing for a spell of unsettled weather, with the Department of Meteorology issuing a Yellow Warning for isolated heavy thunderstorms from Thursday evening through Friday afternoon.
The warning comes as a disturbance west of Cyprus moves towards the island, bringing an organised band of rain and thunderstorms.
When will the storms arrive?
The Yellow Warning is valid from 21:00 on Thursday, 17 September, until 17:00 on Friday, 18 September. The first storms are expected to affect the western half of Cyprus, before gradually spreading to other parts of the island.
The Department of Meteorology expects some thunderstorms to be locally heavy, with:
- Rainfall rates of 35–55mm per hour
- Hail in some areas
- Strong and variable winds, with gusts potentially reaching 8 Beaufort
For residents in the west, including Paphos and the surrounding areas, the western part of the island is expected to be among the first areas affected.
More than just a quick shower
The latest forecast indicates that rain and thunderstorms could occur intermittently through Friday, with conditions expected to improve towards the end of the afternoon. Temperatures are also expected to drop below the seasonal average on Friday before gradually recovering over the weekend.
The Department of Meteorology describes a Yellow Warning as meaning conditions are potentially dangerous, particularly for activities exposed to weather hazards, and advises people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and avoid unnecessary risks.
Stay weather aware
With heavy rain, hail and strong gusts possible, conditions could change quickly, particularly during the passage of individual thunderstorms. Anyone travelling or spending time outdoors should keep an eye on updated forecasts and local conditions.
The weather is expected to become much more settled over the weekend, although isolated afternoon showers or thunderstorms may still develop over the mountains.
Source: Cyprus Department of Meteorology, with additional reporting from the Cyprus News Agency
