Cyprus is not expected to experience weather conditions as severe as those currently affecting Crete, but strong isolated thunderstorms are likely over the coming days, according to Meteorological Officer Panayiotis Lingis.
Speaking to CNA, Lingis said that "isolated phenomena, isolated thunderstorms that are expected to be strong, cannot be ruled out in the coming days". Based on current data, he said, the extreme weather affecting Crete does not appear likely to impact Cyprus.
Thunderstorms have already been recorded northwest of Cyprus, including in Polis Chrysochous, Pyrgos Tillyrias and the Akamas area. Localised showers and isolated thunderstorms are also expected to affect other parts of the island.
"Today we expect other areas to be affected as well, namely mountainous regions, inland areas and northern areas, with a focus on the occupied territories," Lingis said, adding that southern parts of the island are likely to experience more isolated weather activity.
Asked whether Cyprus could face extreme weather similar to that seen in Crete, the meteorological officer said that "with the data currently before us, it appears that we will not have such conditions".
In the worst-case scenario, a yellow weather warning could be issued today or tomorrow if the relevant meteorological criteria are met.
"So far, no yellow warning has been issued," he said.
Rain expected tonight and on Sunday
Further weather activity is expected tonight, mainly along coastal areas, with western and southern coastal districts likely to be most affected, according to Lingis.
The unsettled conditions are expected to continue into Sunday morning, particularly in the districts of Paphos and Limassol.
By midday, weather activity could spread to southern inland areas, while by the afternoon the most significant phenomena are expected mainly in mountainous, inland and northern parts of the island.
There is also a possibility of hail, although this cannot be predicted with certainty. Current data could support the formation of small hailstones and, given the time of year, the possibility cannot be excluded.
Less widespread but potentially intense conditions
The unsettled weather is expected to persist through Tuesday and Wednesday, mainly during the afternoon and primarily in mountainous and inland areas.
"In the coming days we expect less widespread phenomena, but their intensity could be noteworthy," Lingis said.
Regarding weekend rainfall and its potential contribution to water reserves, he said it was still difficult to estimate whether there would be any substantial benefit.
As he explained, the expected rainfall will mainly consist of isolated showers that may be intense but short-lived. He also noted that the ground at this time of year "remains quite thirsty".
Gradual transition to autumn
Asked whether the change in weather effectively signals the transition from summer to autumn, Lingis said it was still too early to draw firm conclusions.
As he noted, the definition of the seasons is not based solely on a change in weather conditions but is linked to specific data and criteria.
At the same time, he said that "we are gradually entering autumn", as daylight hours continue to shorten.
Source: CNA
