An unstable air mass began influencing Cyprus on Thursday, producing highly localised weather conditions across the island. Images and video of rainfall over higher elevations circulated widely on social media while inland areas remained under an extreme-temperature warning.
Rain recorded across mountain areas
Local showers developed in Cyprus’s mountainous regions during the early afternoon. The cloud build-up, concentrated mainly over higher ground, also produced an isolated thunderstorm, according to information shared by Kitasweather.
The rainfall provided some relief from the heat affecting much of the island. Conditions in the mountains differed significantly from those inland, where a yellow warning for extreme maximum temperatures was in effect.
Videos shared on social media
People in the mountain areas recorded the changing conditions, with videos and photographs of the rainfall quickly circulating online.
Members of the Facebook group Καιρόφιλοι Κύπρου (Cyprus Weather Enthusiasts) also shared footage showing clouds and rain across the island’s higher elevations.
Inland temperatures reach 40°C
At the same time, temperatures inland reached around 40°C. The yellow warning was in effect from 2pm until 4.30pm on Thursday.
The localised conditions resulted in high temperatures across the central plain while rain and thunderstorms affected parts of the mountains.
ΤΜΗΜΑ ΜΕΤΕΩΡΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ
— CYMET (@CyMeteorology) August 12, 2026
ΠΡΟΕΙΔΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΓΙΑ ΑΚΡΑΙΑ ΜΕΓΙΣΤΗ ΘΕΡΜΟΚΡΑΣΙΑ
ΑΡ.ΠΡΟΕΙΔΟΠΟΙΗΣΗΣ: 52
ΕΠΙΠΕΔΟ ΕΠΙΚΙΝΔΥΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ: ΚΊΤΡΙΝΟ
ΙΣΧΥΕΙ ΑΠΟ: 1400 ΜΕΧΡΙ: 1630 T.X. 13/08/2026 pic.twitter.com/JI9tS3JvGD
Forecast for Thursday night
The Department of Meteorology said seasonal low pressure was affecting the region, while an unstable air mass had begun to influence the island.
During the remainder of Thursday afternoon, clouds over the mountains were expected to bring isolated showers and an isolated thunderstorm.
Winds were forecast to blow from the southwest to northwest at 3 to 4 Beaufort, strengthening to 4 to 5 Beaufort along the southern and eastern coasts. The sea was expected to remain calm to slight, becoming temporarily slight in windward areas.
Thursday night will be mostly clear, although increased low cloud is expected at times, particularly in coastal areas.
Winds will gradually become light and downslope at 3 Beaufort, while the sea will remain calm to slight. Temperatures will fall to around 24°C inland, 25°C along the coast and 21°C in the higher mountains.
Isolated thunderstorms possible on Friday
Friday will be mostly clear, with temporarily increased local cloud. From midday onwards, clouds developing over the mountains and parts of the interior are expected to bring isolated showers and thunderstorms.
Hail cannot be ruled out during a thunderstorm.
Winds will blow from the southwest to northwest at 3 to 4 Beaufort, strengthening to 4 to 5 Beaufort along the southern and eastern coasts during the afternoon.
The sea will generally remain calm to slight, becoming temporarily slight in windward areas during the afternoon.
Temperatures will rise to around 38°C inland, 30°C along the western and southwestern coasts, 34°C along the remaining coasts and 27°C in the higher mountains.
Temperatures to fall through Monday
Most areas will experience mainly clear weather from Saturday through Monday, with temporarily increased local cloud.
Cloud developing over the mountains and parts of the interior from midday onwards is expected to bring isolated showers and thunderstorms. Hail will also remain possible during thunderstorms.
Temperatures will gradually fall during the three-day period, reaching slightly below the seasonal average.
