Heavy rain and intense lightning activity were recorded across several parts of Cyprus in the early hours of Friday, marking a sharp change in weather conditions as a yellow warning remains in force.
Bright flashes and frequent lightning illuminated the sky before dawn, with residents capturing the storms on video and sharing footage on social media, including through the Cyprus Weather Enthusiasts group.
Unsettled conditions are expected to continue during the day, with the Department of Meteorology forecasting local rain, isolated thunderstorms, hail and potentially severe weather in some areas.
Storms to intensify in the east and mountains
Low pressure is currently affecting Cyprus, while weaker low pressure is expected to return to the region from Saturday.
Friday will remain mostly cloudy, with local rain and isolated thunderstorms at intervals. Hail is also possible during storms.
From midday onwards, the strongest activity is expected to become concentrated over the mountains and eastern half of the island, where thunderstorms could be locally intense or prolonged.
A significant improvement is forecast from late afternoon.
Winds will initially blow mainly from the southwest to northwest at 3 to 4 Beaufort, strengthening to 4 to 5 Beaufort and temporarily reaching 5 to 6 Beaufort along parts of the southwest coast.
During thunderstorms, however, winds may become variable, with stronger gusts potentially reaching 8 to 9 Beaufort.
The sea will generally be slight, but may temporarily become rough along exposed coasts.
Temperatures will reach around:
- 31°C inland
- 28°C on the west coast
- 29°C on other coastal areas
- 22°C in the higher mountains
Clearer conditions tonight
Conditions will gradually become mostly clear on Friday night, although increased cloud cover is expected locally, particularly in western areas.
Winds will mainly blow from the west to northwest at 3 to 4 Beaufort, temporarily reaching 4 Beaufort along exposed coasts.
The sea will generally remain slight, becoming smooth to slight later in southern and eastern areas.
Temperatures will fall to around 19°C inland, 21°C along the coast and 13°C in the higher mountains.
Weekend weather improves
On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, conditions will be mostly clear across much of Cyprus, with periods of increased cloud cover.
Clouds developing over the mountains and potentially inland after midday could bring isolated showers or thunderstorms.
Temperatures will rise on Saturday, followed by a further slight increase on Sunday to reach close to seasonal averages. No significant temperature change is forecast for Monday.
Yellow warning remains in force
The Department of Meteorology's yellow warning, which came into effect at 9pm on Thursday, 17 September, will remain valid until 5pm on Friday, 18 September.
Isolated strong thunderstorms are expected to affect Cyprus intermittently, initially over the western half of the island before spreading to other areas.
Rainfall intensity could reach 35 to 55 millimetres per hour, while hail is also forecast locally.
Winds in areas affected by thunderstorms may strengthen significantly, with gusts potentially reaching 8 Beaufort.
