A striking weather phenomenon has unfolded in Cyprus over the past few hours, with residents and visitors in the island's mountainous areas experiencing isolated rainfall despite the ongoing heatwave affecting much of the country.
While most of the island continues to endure exceptionally high temperatures, localised showers have developed over higher ground, bringing a welcome spell of cooler weather.
Photos shared on the Facebook group Kairofiloi Kyprou (Cyprus Weather Enthusiasts) capture the dramatic contrast, showing rain falling across mountainous areas while the lowland and coastal regions continue to experience oppressive heat.
Weather forecast for tonight
This afternoon, conditions across most parts of the island will remain mainly clear, with periods of increased cloud cover. However, clouds developing over the mountains are expected to produce isolated showers and a single thunderstorm. Hail is also possible in the event of a thunderstorm.
Winds will be mainly southwesterly to northwesterly, light to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort, strengthening to moderate or strong at 4 to 5 Beaufort along the coast. The sea will be generally calm to slightly rough, becoming temporarily slightly rough in windward coastal areas.
Tonight, locally increased low cloud is expected, mainly along the coast. Later in the night and during the early morning hours, patches of mist or fog are likely to form, particularly in southern and eastern parts of the island.
Winds will gradually become downslope and light, at around 3 Beaufort, while the sea will remain calm to slightly rough.
Temperatures are expected to fall to around 24°C inland and along the coast, and to around 20°C in the higher mountain areas.
