A yellow weather warning has been issued for isolated severe thunderstorms, with heavy rain, possible hail and strong, variable winds expected in several areas of the island on Friday afternoon.
The warning, issued by the Meteorological Department, is in effect from 1pm to 5pm on Friday, 6 November.
According to the department, isolated severe thunderstorms are expected to affect mainly mountainous areas, as well as southern and eastern parts of Cyprus.
Rainfall intensity could reach between 35 and 50 millimetres per hour, while hail cannot be ruled out. Strong and variable winds are also expected.
The public is urged to exercise particular caution, especially while thunderstorms are occurring.
Thunderstorms expected to intensify after midday
More widespread rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are expected on Friday, with conditions likely to worsen mainly after midday.
Speaking about the forecast, Meteorological Department spokesperson Andreas Chrysanthou said the weather phenomena would mainly affect mountainous areas, the north and the eastern half of the island.
He said Friday’s thunderstorms could be more intense than those experienced in recent days and may be accompanied by hail. Winds could also strengthen and change direction during the storms.
Weather to improve over the weekend
From Saturday, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to become significantly less widespread. Isolated showers or thunderstorms may still occur, mainly in southern and southeastern areas and around the Troodos mountains.
From Sunday, most areas are expected to have mainly clear skies, with occasional cloud.
Temperatures to fall further
Chrysanthou said temperatures dropped to 7°C in the mountains overnight, while minimum temperatures in inland and coastal areas ranged between 13°C and 16°C.
Temperatures are expected to fall further over the coming nights, with minimum values in mountainous areas potentially reaching 5°C to 6°C.
A gradual drop of 2°C to 3°C is expected by Sunday. Temperatures will remain below the seasonal average over the coming days.
Chrysanthou also stressed the importance of November, December and January for the hydrological year, expressing hope that seasonal forecasts predicting rainfall close to normal levels will prove accurate.
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