Newsroom
If you were hoping yesterday's stormy weather was a one-off, the atmosphere has some disappointing news. A low-pressure system over the southern Aegean is affecting Cyprus, and a yellow thunderstorm warning is in force today from 09:00 to 17:00. Yes, the storms are back, the hail is back, and the sky appears to have absolutely no interest in giving us a quiet Thursday.
The Cyprus Department of Meteorology warns that isolated heavy thunderstorms will initially affect the western half of the island before spreading to other areas. Rainfall rates could reach 35 to 55 millimetres per hour, hail is likely, and wind gusts may reach 7 to 8 Beaufort during thunderstorms. That's a lot of weather to squeeze into one working day.
If you're heading out, take extra care in exposed areas such as mountains, forests and open terrain. Outdoor activities could be disrupted, so check conditions before setting off. An umbrella is useful for ordinary rain, but when hail and powerful gusts arrive, the better plan may be to find proper shelter.
Today: Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with local showers and isolated thunderstorms expected. Hail is possible, so don't be fooled by a temporary break in the cloud. The weather may simply be gathering itself for another round.
Winds will initially blow from the southeast to southwest at 3 to 4 Beaufort, gradually becoming southerly to southwesterly at 4 to 5 Beaufort before turning southwesterly to westerly. During thunderstorms, winds may become variable, with gusts reaching 7 to 8 Beaufort. The sea will start slightly rough and may become locally slightly rough to rough later.
Temperatures will reach around 23°C inland, 22°C along the coast and 12°C in the highest mountains. A cooler day, then, with the added possibility of getting thoroughly soaked. Autumn is certainly making itself known.
This evening: Conditions should gradually become partly cloudy, although isolated showers or thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, particularly along the coast. Winds will be mainly westerly to northwesterly at 3 to 4 Beaufort, occasionally reaching moderate strength. The sea will be up to slightly rough.
The yellow warning is scheduled to expire at 17:00, but don't assume every shower will clock off at the same time. Keep an eye on official updates and local conditions as the evening approaches.
Friday and the weekend: Periods of increased local cloud cover may bring isolated showers, mainly in the mountains. Compared with Thursday, conditions look less unsettled, although the occasional shower could still interrupt outdoor plans.
Temperature outlook: Temperatures will rise slightly through Sunday, remaining close to or a little below the seasonal average. So, while the weather may gradually settle, don't expect a sudden return to summer.
The bottom line: Thursday brings another yellow thunderstorm warning, with heavy downpours, likely hail and gusts of up to 8 Beaufort possible between 09:00 and 17:00. Conditions should ease gradually this evening, with a more settled outlook for Friday and the weekend.
Stay alert, check the latest warnings, and don't challenge a thunderstorm to a staring contest. The weather has already made it clear that it's not in the mood for negotiations.
