Christmas in Cyprus arrives with a mixed weather mood this year, combining mild temperatures with unsettled skies and the occasional reminder that winter has, in fact, arrived.
A weak high-pressure system will influence the area temporarily until Friday, before gradually giving way to low pressure from Saturday onwards, bringing more instability.
Christmas Eve: clouds, showers and Troodos surprises
Today, Christmas Eve, the weather will be partly cloudy to at times mostly cloudy, with isolated showers expected, particularly after midday. At the highest peaks of Troodos, sleet or even light snowfall cannot be ruled out.
Winds will blow mainly from the northeast to southeast, weak to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort, while the sea will remain calm to slightly rough. Temperatures will rise to around 19°C inland, 21°C along the coast and approximately 9°C in the higher mountain areas.
Tonight, conditions will remain partly cloudy, with the possibility of isolated showers, mainly in coastal areas. Winds will ease to around 3 Beaufort and the sea will stay calm to slightly rough. Temperatures will drop to around 10°C inland, 12°C on the coast and about 4°C in the higher mountains, where local frost is expected to form.
Christmas Day: rain, storms and possible hail
On Thursday, Christmas Day, the weather will start off partly cloudy before quickly turning mostly cloudy. Localised rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected, particularly from midday onwards. During storms, hail may also occur.
From late afternoon onwards, conditions are expected to improve temporarily, offering a brief festive pause in the unsettled weather.
Friday and Saturday: unsettled but mild
Both Friday and Saturday will see intervals of mostly cloudy weather, with isolated showers or thunderstorms, mainly after midday.
Temperatures are not expected to change significantly through Saturday, remaining slightly above the seasonal average, keeping the festive period mild despite the unsettled conditions.
For those planning outdoor gatherings, short trips or mountain excursions, keeping an eye on the skies may be just as important as keeping an eye on the oven.