Warning in force from Tuesday evening
A new yellow weather warning for rain and thunderstorms has been issued by the Department of Meteorology, and will be in force from 18:00 on Tuesday until 08:00 on Wednesday.
According to the department, a combination of rain and isolated thunderstorms will affect the island at intervals, initially impacting western areas before gradually spreading to the rest of the island. Hail is possible during thunderstorms, while winds are expected to shift direction and strengthen.
Rainfall intensity may locally range between 35 and 55 millimetres per hour.
Unstable conditions in coming days
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, meteorological officer Andreas Chrysanthou said rain, thunderstorms and a slight drop in temperature are expected from Tuesday afternoon, following the issuance of the yellow weather warning.
He noted that weather conditions will remain mostly cloudy through to Sunday, when localised rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected to return. Increased levels of dust in the atmosphere are also forecast for today and the days ahead.
Possibility of hail and snow at higher altitudes
Chrysanthou said a weather disturbance is expected on Tuesday afternoon, bringing local rain and isolated thunderstorms. Hail is possible during storms, while snowfall or sleet cannot be ruled out in higher mountainous areas.
This unsettled pattern is expected to continue overnight and into Wednesday, with further local rain and isolated thunderstorms likely. Hail may again occur during storm activity, in line with the yellow weather warning in effect.
Temperatures near seasonal averages
The disturbance is expected to gradually weaken from Thursday onwards, with isolated showers possible until Saturday under generally cloudy conditions.
Temperatures are forecast to drop slightly on Wednesday by around 1–2°C, before returning to seasonal levels by Thursday and Friday. Expected temperatures include 17–18°C in coastal areas, 15–16°C inland, and 8–10°C in higher mountainous regions.
From Sunday, a new disturbance is expected to affect the area, bringing a two-day period of local rain and isolated thunderstorms. No extreme temperature changes are anticipated, although a slight drop below seasonal averages may occur from Monday onwards.
High dust concentrations
Chrysanthou also warned of elevated dust concentrations in the atmosphere today and potentially over the coming days. He said dust levels are currently particularly high, with some areas recording concentrations three times above permitted limits.
The dust is attributed to weather systems moving over northern Africa, lifting dust particles and transporting them eastwards- a pattern expected to persist in the coming days.
Also read: Weather forecast today: Rain, storms and snow expected
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