Summer storm brewing over Cyprus

A yellow weather alert went into effect Thursday at 1pm, with officials warning of heavy local showers and possible thunderstorms throughout the afternoon.

According to an official statement by the meteorology department, local showers and heavy thunderstorms could possibly affect areas over Cyprus, where precipitation may exceed 35 milimiters per hour.

Due to a low pressure system and atmospheric instability, afternoon clouds are expected to increase rapidly with possible heavy rain and thunderstorms mainly inland as well as up in the mountains.

All areas are to remain under a storm watch until 7pm, according to the yellow warning, while winds are expected to range between moderate and strong.

Later in the evening, weather is expected to be mostly clear, with lows dropping to 19 degrees inland and along the coast while it will be 12 up in the mountains.

Moderate fog and low-level clouds are likely in the early morning hours, while rain and thunderstorms including possible hail could also be expected Friday. Maximum highs in the mid 30’s inland, upper 20’s in the north and out west, 30 in all other coastal regions, and low to mid 20’s up in the mountains.

Weekend weather is expected to be mixed, with initial clear skies in the morning hours and possible rain showers and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon, mainly inland and on the mountains.