Cyprus experienced its coldest conditions of the winter so far on New Year’s Day, with temperatures plunging well below seasonal averages. The cold spell is expected to peak tonight before a gradual warm-up begins over the weekend.
The mercury dropped to -6.0°C on Thursday at the highest peaks of the Troodos Mountains, specifically in the Chionistra area, marking the lowest temperature recorded this winter to date, according to Kitasweather.
Forecasters say that today is also shaping up to be the coldest day so far this season, with temperatures remaining below average for this time of year across much of Cyprus.
Today’s weather
According to the Cyprus Meteorological Department, periods of locally increased cloud cover are expected today. Winds will blow mainly north-westerly to north-easterly, light to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort. The sea will be slightly rough, though initially rough along western and northern coasts.
Temperatures will reach around 13°C inland, 15°C on the coast, and 2°C in the higher mountainous areas.
Tonight the coldest so far
Tonight’s weather will be mostly clear, with intermittent locally increased cloud cover. Winds will remain light, mainly north-westerly to north-easterly at around 3 Beaufort, while the sea will be calm to slightly rough.
Temperatures are expected to drop to 4°C inland, around 7°C along the coast, and -2°C in the highest mountains. Frost is forecast to form in mountainous and semi-mountainous regions and possibly in some lowland areas.
Gradual warming ahead
On Saturday, conditions will remain mostly clear, despite occasional increased cloud cover. On Sunday and Monday, intervals of increased high cloud are expected.
Temperatures will gradually rise over the three-day period, eventually settling slightly above average climatic values for the season.