Newsroom
Cyprus got a real taste of winter overnight, as snow blanketed mountain and semi-mountain areas, turning familiar villages into postcard scenes straight out of January, the kind that send cameras, drones, and kids straight outside.
Residents and visitors in Troodos, Pedoulas, Farmakas, and Agros woke up to rooftops, trees, and roads covered in white after steady snowfall late Monday night. Videos shared across social media show snow properly settling, not just a quick sprinkle, a rare and welcome sight for many on the island.
Snowfall was also reported in parts of Akamas, adding to the wintry mood across higher ground.
Roads: open, but only for the prepared
Police say several mountain roads remain open only for vehicles fitted with snow chains or four-wheel drive, due to ongoing snowfall and icy conditions.
These include the main routes to Troodos, Platres–Troodos, Karvounas–Troodos, and Prodromos–Troodos, as well as roads connecting Palaichori–Agros, Farmakas–Odou, Fterikoudi–Alona–Platanistasa, Polystypou–Lagoudera, and Lagoudera–Chandria, among others.
Drivers are urged to take it slow, keep safe distances, and avoid unnecessary travel if they’re not properly equipped.
Meanwhile, heavy rain is causing problems elsewhere. On the Limassol–Paphos highway near Kantou and Avdimou, police report water accumulation on the road and reduced visibility.
Nature trails closed due to dangerous conditions
If you were thinking of a winter hike, think again. The Forestry Department announced the temporary closure of multiple nature trails in the Troodos area due to erosion, landslides, snowfall, and frost, warning that conditions pose serious safety risks.
Closed trails include popular routes such as Artemis, Atalanti, Persephone, Caledonia, Livadi and sections of the E4, among others. Authorities say updates will be issued once conditions improve.
Cold, wind and more snow at the peaks
According to the Meteorological Service, Cyprus remains under the influence of low pressure and a cold air mass. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, with scattered rain and isolated thunderstorms, mainly in western, northern and mountainous areas.
Snow is expected to continue at higher elevations, at times heavy, with strong northwesterly winds making things feel even colder. Temperatures are expected to reach around 12°C inland and 15°C on the coast but just 2°C in the highest mountains, where frost and fog are also likely.
Tonight, temperatures in the mountains are forecast to drop as low as minus 4°C, with further light snowfall possible.
The good news? From Wednesday into Thursday, conditions are expected to gradually improve, with clearer skies and a slow rise in temperatures by the end of the week, though a bit more rain, and even sleet or snow at the very top of Troodos, can’t be ruled out on Friday.
As of the latest update, snow depth at Chionistra stands at 22 centimeters, enough to remind everyone that winter in Cyprus can still surprise.
