Wild winds and stormy seas as Cyprus braces for unusual winter surge

A peculiar weather system has swept across Cyprus, bringing unusually strong gusts of cold wind to the island. However, conditions are expected to gradually improve starting tomorrow as the cold air mass begins to recede.

Today, the weather will be partly cloudy with periods of heavier cloud cover in some areas. Isolated showers are likely, particularly in the north and east, while light snowfall is expected in the higher mountains and occasionally in lower elevations. Winds will blow from the northwest to northeast, ranging from strong to very strong at 5 to 6 Beaufort, with windward coasts experiencing gusts up to 7 Beaufort. As the day progresses, the winds will begin to ease. The sea will be rough in the west and north, while the south and east will see conditions ranging from slightly rough to rough. Temperatures will peak at 13°C inland, around 15°C along the coasts, and near 2°C in the higher mountains, where frost will settle locally.

Tonight, cloud cover will increase in many areas, bringing isolated showers, especially in the north and east. Light snowfall will continue in the mountains and may extend to lower elevations. Winds will persist from the northwest to northeast but will weaken over time, dropping to 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea will remain slightly rough to rough in most areas. Overnight, temperatures will fall to around 6°C inland, 8°C along the coasts, and as low as -3°C in the higher mountains, where widespread frost is expected.

Looking ahead, Tuesday will bring clearer skies to much of the island, although periods of localized cloudiness may develop, particularly in the north, where isolated showers are possible. Snow or sleet may continue to fall in the higher mountains. As night falls, clouds will thicken again, bringing scattered showers, with a chance of snow or sleet in mountainous regions.

On Wednesday, the weather will alternate between partly cloudy and mostly cloudy conditions, with isolated showers likely. By Thursday, occasional increases in cloud cover may also lead to brief, scattered rain.

Temperatures will gradually climb through Thursday, reaching levels close to or just below the seasonal average.