Heavy rain and hail affected parts of the Cyprus mountains on Wednesday afternoon, as sudden storms developed over higher ground and areas of the interior.
Video obtained by politis.com.cy from Kalopanayiotis showed intense rainfall, while footage posted by users on the Cyprus Weather Enthusiasts social media page also showed heavy showers and hail in some areas.
The storms came after a largely clear and sunny start to the day across much of the island, highlighting the sharp contrast between conditions in the lowlands and the mountain communities affected by the afternoon weather.
According to the weather website Kitasweather, an isolated storm that had earlier developed around the Machairas area moved eastwards, affecting southern parts of the interior. A new storm was also reported north of Troodos, moving towards Kakopetria.
More unsettled weather expected
The Cyprus Department of Meteorology said weak low pressure is affecting the area.
Clouds developing during the afternoon are expected to bring isolated showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the mountains and parts of the interior. Hail is also possible during storms. Winds will blow south-westerly to north-westerly, light to moderate, at 3 to 4 Beaufort, becoming locally strong in the south-east at 4 to 5 Beaufort. The sea will be slight.
Tonight, the weather will be mainly clear, although local low cloud is expected to develop gradually, mainly along the coast. Later in the night and early on Thursday, local mist or fog may form, particularly in the east and inland areas. Temperatures will fall to around 20C inland and on the coast, and 16C in the higher mountains.
On Thursday, after any low cloud and mist clear, the weather will become mainly fine with temporary increased cloud. After midday, however, clouds are expected to bring isolated showers or a thunderstorm, mainly in the mountains and inland. Hail is again possible during storms. Temperatures will rise to around 35C inland, 27C on the west coast, 29C on the remaining coasts and 25C in the higher mountains.
From Friday through Sunday, increased cloud after midday is expected to bring isolated showers or thunderstorms, mainly in the mountains and inland. Hail may occur in the event of a storm. Temperatures are not expected to change significantly and will remain close to, or slightly above, seasonal averages.
