Newsroom
A seasonal low-pressure system is lingering over the region, and it’s in no hurry to leave the party.
Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration, or Metamorphosis, a great celebration on the Orthodox calendar. Across Cyprus, the faithful will be carrying grapes to church for the traditional blessing after Liturgy. The bunches are offered in thanksgiving for the harvest, blessed by the priest, and shared among the congregation, a custom that links the fruit of the vine to the Eucharist itself and to the promise of all creation being transformed. So if you spot trays of grapes heading into village churches this morning, you’ll know why.
Today
Once any early mist and low cloud burn off, the skies will turn mostly sunny and stay that way. Winds start out light from the southeast to southwest (around Force 3), then swing round to southwesterly or northwesterly, freshening to Force 3-4 and locally 4-5. The sea remains generally slight.
Temperatures will climb to around 40°C inland, a more merciful 34°C along the south, east and north coasts, and a relatively civilised 31°C on the west coast and in the higher mountains.
Tonight
Mostly clear skies, though pockets of low cloud and the odd patch of mist or fog may drift in locally. Winds stay mainly southwesterly to northwesterly, light and only occasionally moderate (Force 3-4). The sea stays slight.
Friday and the weekend
Expect more of the same: generally sunny with occasional build-ups of local cloud. On Friday those clouds may produce isolated showers over the mountains, the high ground’s chance to feel a little special. Temperatures look set to hold steady through Saturday, remaining a touch above the seasonal average. No dramatic cool-down on the horizon.
Yellow heat alert
In force from 14:00 to 16:30 today. Inland spots are expected to hit around 40°C. Vulnerable people (the elderly, the very young and anyone already under the weather) should take sensible precautions.
