A new dust episode is expected to reach Cyprus from Saturday, with increased concentrations likely to persist throughout the weekend before gradually easing from Monday, according to officials from the Meteorological Department.
Speaking to Politis, meteorological officer Andreas Chrysanthou said dust is already present in the atmosphere, mainly at higher levels, with weather models indicating a possible intensification over the coming days.
Two dust events affecting the region
Chrysanthou explained that two separate dust transport episodes are currently influencing the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
The first originates from the east, primarily from Syria and Lebanon, and is currently affecting areas east of Cyprus. At the same time, a second dust plume impacting Greece could move towards Cyprus, leading to higher dust concentrations from Saturday onwards.
According to the Meteorological Department, dust levels may remain elevated throughout the weekend before both systems begin to weaken from Monday.
However, Chrysanthou cautioned that the end of the current episode does not rule out further dust events, particularly if weather systems affecting Greece remain active.
Rain outlook still unclear
The possibility of a change in weather conditions next week remains uncertain.
Chrysanthou said forecasters are monitoring a low-pressure system that could potentially affect Cyprus, but its track and development remain unclear, making it impossible to determine at this stage whether it will bring rainfall to the island.
Asked whether weather systems currently affecting Greece could eventually deliver rain to Cyprus, he said the answer depended entirely on how the low-pressure system evolves in the coming days.
He stressed that additional meteorological data will be needed before a more reliable forecast can be made.
Temperatures near 30C
According to the latest forecast from the Meteorological Department, conditions will remain mostly settled through Monday.
Temperatures are expected to reach around:
- 30C inland
- 30C on southern and eastern coasts
- 28C on western and northern coasts
- 18C in the higher mountains
Overnight temperatures will fall to around 18C inland and along the coast, and approximately 10C in the higher mountain areas.
Outlook through Monday
Weak high pressure continues to affect the region, while dust will remain suspended in the atmosphere at times, with concentrations potentially increasing from Saturday.
The weather from Saturday to Monday is expected to remain mostly fine, although periods of increased cloud cover are possible.
Temperatures inland and in mountainous regions are forecast to remain largely unchanged, while coastal areas may experience a slight gradual decrease, remaining close to seasonal averages.
