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Heavy rain and thunderstorms have affected several parts of Cyprus on Tuesday, with hail reported in some areas as unsettled weather continues to affect the island in mid-August.
The Department of Meteorology's yellow warning for isolated strong thunderstorms was in effect until 6pm. The main areas at risk were the mountains and inland districts, although eastern coastal areas could also see storm activity. Rainfall rates could exceed 35 millimetres per hour in some locations, while hail was possible during thunderstorms.
Significant rainfall has already been recorded around Spilia, Kannavia, Galata and Kakopetria, with wet conditions affecting local roads and reducing visibility.
Trimikline Dam today after the rainfall, shared by Melis Sitanaris/Weather Enthusiasts Cyprus
Footage shared by members of the Weather Friends of Cyprus Facebook group has shown conditions in several other areas, including Athienou, Ora, Mesa Potamos, Amiantos, Pelendri, Lythrodontas, Melini and Pedoulas.
Police have advised motorists to drive carefully, slow down, leave sufficient space between vehicles and use their headlights while travelling in affected areas.
The unsettled conditions are expected to ease from Thursday. Tonight will be mainly clear, although some increased cloud cover is expected along the coast. Light fog could also develop during the early morning hours, particularly in southern and eastern areas.
Limnatis River in the Prophet Elias area of the village of Limnati, shared by Doxa Paraskeva/Weather Enthusiasts Cyprus
Wednesday is expected to begin mainly clear before clouds build during the afternoon. Local rain and isolated thunderstorms are forecast, mainly in the mountains and inland, with hail possible.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 34°C inland, 30°C on the western and southwestern coasts, 32°C elsewhere along the coast and 25°C in the highest mountain areas.
Conditions are expected to become mainly clear on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures will rise significantly, reaching levels above the seasonal climatic average by Friday.
Many people took to social media to share their experiences. See some of their videos below:
Pedieos River, Nicosia, share by George Gregoriou/Landscapes of Cyprus
Kapiliou River, shared by Sofoklis Sofokleous/Weather Enthusiasts Cyprus
Ora, Larnaca, shared by Akis Ioakim/Weather Enthusiasts Cyprus
