The new week begins under the influence of Byron, a low-pressure system moving southeast across the region and dragging unsettled skies over the island. After a relatively calm start to December, Monday marks the return of widespread rainfall, strong winds and the possibility of hail, setting the tone for several days of active weather.
Cloud cover thickens through the morning with showers becoming more frequent and isolated storms developing across coastal and inland areas. Localised hail cannot be ruled out. Winds blow mainly from the northeast to southeast, shifting to southwesterly along the southern coast later in the day. Speeds range from light to moderate, occasionally strengthening to 4 to 5 Beaufort near the shore. Sea conditions remain choppy in the west and moderately rough elsewhere. Temperatures reach around 18 degrees inland, 19 along the coast and fall to about 8 in the highest mountain peaks.
Conditions remain unsettled into the night. Coastal regions are most likely to see further thunderstorms, again with the potential for hail. Over the highest reaches of Troodos, sleet or light snowfall may briefly appear. Light mist or fog could form by dawn, especially in inland areas where humidity accumulates. Winds stay mainly northeasterly to southeasterly at 3 to 4 Beaufort, locally rising to 5. Overnight temperatures drop to 10 degrees inland, 13 at the coast and around 4 degrees in the mountains, where pockets of frost may form in more sheltered spots.
The outlook for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday keeps Cyprus under the same wet and unsettled pattern. Cloudy skies dominate and showers remain a daily feature, with isolated thunderstorms still possible.
Temperatures on Tuesday show little change, remaining slightly below seasonal norms. A small rise is expected on Wednesday, with similar levels on Thursday, bringing conditions closer to the average for mid-December.
Byron may not stay long, but he certainly plans to make his presence felt. Keep an umbrella close and prepare for a week of shifting skies, lively showers and the occasional rumble of thunder.