Cyprus yellow warning as strong winds and snow hit island

Date:

Strong wind warning in force until tonight

A Cyprus yellow warning has been issued by the Cyprus Department of Meteorology for very strong to gale-force winds across the island on Friday.

The yellow warning is in effect from 08:00 until 22:00, with south-westerly to north-westerly winds expected to reach force 6 to 7 Beaufort, locally up to 7 Beaufort. Wind gusts may reach gale force, up to 8 Beaufort, particularly in exposed areas.

Unstable weather with rain, storms and hail

Low pressure, a cold air mass and a significantly strengthened wind field are affecting Cyprus. Conditions today are mainly cloudy, with local rain and isolated thunderstorms expected. Hail is possible during storms, while snowfall is forecast for higher mountain areas.

Sea conditions will be rough to very rough in most coastal areas, becoming temporarily stormy along the west and north coasts. Temperatures will drop to around 15°C inland and in western and northern coastal areas, about 17°C in the south and east, and close to 3°C in the highest mountains.

Dangerous conditions in Troodos

Snowfall overnight in the Troodos Mountains has led to rockfalls on mountain roads, while dense fog is currently reducing visibility in higher areas. Roads are slippery and dangerous due to moisture and ice.

Police are urging drivers travelling in the Troodos region to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and keep headlights switched on at all times.

Snowfall continues at higher elevations

Weather observers report ongoing snowfall with accumulation in the Troodos area, with periods of dense snow expected throughout the day. Frost is also likely overnight, with temperatures in the highest mountains dropping to around -2°C.

Weekend outlook

Unstable weather is expected to continue on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with periods of cloud, local rain and isolated thunderstorms. Hail remains possible, while snow will persist in the higher mountains. Winds will remain locally strong, particularly in coastal areas.

Temperatures will rise slightly on Saturday, remain largely unchanged on Sunday, and then fall again on Monday, returning to near or slightly below seasonal averages.


Also read: EU Presidency Opening Ceremony sends sovereignty messages
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel

Share post:

Popular

More like this
Related

ON THIS DAY: 3.4-billion-year-old fossils revealed (1977)

On 23 October 1977, palaeontologist Elso Barghoorn announced the discovery of fossilised single-celled organisms estimated to be 3.4 billion years old, offering remarkable evidence of life on the early Earth. The announcement highlighted the possibility that microscopic life had emerged relatively early in Earth's history, long before plants, animals or other complex organisms appeared. Barghoorn was known for his pioneering work in palaeobiology, particularly his research into ancient microorganisms and the origins of life. Why ancient microfossils matter Unlike the fossilised bones and shells commonly associated with prehistoric life, ancient microfossils can be extremely difficult to identify. Their structures are tiny, and geological processes over billions of years can alter or obscure their original appearance. Researchers study these specimens to understand when life first appeared, what early organisms may have looked like and the environments in which they survived. Evidence of such ancient life is also important to astrobiology, as scientists investigate whether similar conditions might have supported microorganisms elsewhere in the solar system. The continuing search for Earth's earliest life The interpretation of some of the world's oldest proposed microfossils remains a subject of scientific debate. Structures that resemble microorganisms can sometimes form through non-biological processes, making independent chemical and geological evidence essential. Nevertheless, Barghoorn's work helped establish the study of ancient microscopic life as a major field of scientific research. Nearly half a century after his 1977 announcement, the search for Earth's earliest organisms continues to reshape our understanding of how life began.

Supreme Court upholds New Hampshire student ID limits

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed New Hampshire officials...

Trump asked Google to rename Atlantic Ocean

Donald Trump said Google rejected his request to rename...

Magnitude 7 earthquake in Tiber kills 16

At least 16 people have died and dozens were...