Newsroom
Friday has arrived and it appears the weather has decided to give us one final performance before settling down for the weekend. A low-pressure system is expected to affect the area until tomorrow, bringing a rather soggy start to the day. However, the rain and storms should gradually calm down later this afternoon, just in time for everyone to pretend they had plans that didn't involve staying indoors.
Today will be mainly cloudy, with local rain and isolated thunderstorms expected at times. Some of the weather phenomena may be locally intense, although conditions are expected to gradually improve during the late afternoon.
There is also a yellow thunderstorm warning in effect until 5pm today. Isolated heavy thunderstorms may affect the island at times, initially over the western half before gradually spreading to the rest of Cyprus. Rainfall rates could reach 35 to 55 millimetres per hour, with locally occurring hail also expected. Winds may become variable and strong during thunderstorms, with gusts reaching up to 8 Beaufort.
So, if your Friday plans involve exposed areas such as the mountains, forests or open terrain, perhaps give the weather a little more respect than usual today. Outdoor activities could also face some disruption.
Winds will otherwise be southwesterly to northwesterly, moderate to strong at 4 to 5 Beaufort, while the sea will be slightly rough to rough.
And after all that, temperatures will reach around 31°C inland, 29°C along the coasts and 20°C in the higher mountains. Not exactly winter coat weather, but certainly a noticeable change from the summer heat we’ve been complaining about for months.
Tonight, the weather will become mainly clear, although increased low cloud will develop in the west. Winds will turn northwesterly and ease to light to moderate, while the sea will remain slightly rough.
Then comes the weekend, and thankfully, things start looking considerably more civilised. Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be mainly clear, although increased cloud will develop during the afternoon. The mountains, naturally, are keeping things interesting. The afternoon clouds may produce isolated showers, with thunderstorms also possible, particularly in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, temperatures will gradually rise over the three-day period, settling close to the average climatic values for the season.
So Friday may be bringing us rain, thunder, hail and winds with a bit of attitude, but there is a much calmer weekend waiting on the other side. Grab the umbrella, keep an eye on that yellow warning and, if possible, let Friday do its dramatic thing from somewhere with a roof over your head.
