Unsettled weather conditions are set to persist across Cyprus in the coming days, with strong winds, isolated showers and changing atmospheric conditions expected through to midweek, according to the Meteorological Service.
Speaking to CNA, meteorological officer Panayiotis Liggis said the dominant feature on Sunday is strong winds, particularly affecting coastal areas and especially Larnaca. Winds are expected to reach force 6 to 7 on the Beaufort scale, mainly in the south-east and later shifting towards north-eastern areas.
He noted that from Saturday afternoon, south-westerly winds began strengthening along the southern coast, at times reaching strong levels of up to 7 Beaufort.
Scattered showers and local storms
Isolated showers and the possibility of brief thunderstorms are expected, mainly affecting Paphos district extending towards Limassol, as well as mountainous areas. Rain is also considered likely in parts of the Famagusta district, as wind patterns shift across the island.
Similar conditions are expected on Monday, with localised showers initially in the west and mountainous regions, later moving towards Larnaca and Famagusta. These may develop into short-lived thunderstorms lasting only a few minutes.
The same pattern is expected to continue into Tuesday.
More widespread rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are likely to develop from Wednesday and possibly into Thursday, depending on whether a warm low-pressure air mass remains in place or is displaced by prevailing winds.
Temperatures remain mild
Temperatures are expected to remain relatively stable. Inland areas will see highs of around 18 to 19 degrees Celsius, while coastal areas will reach approximately 21 degrees. Similar temperature ranges are forecast for Monday, with slightly warmer conditions in the south-west and south-east.
Dust to return later in the week
Dust levels, which were present in the atmosphere on Saturday, particularly in eastern areas, have eased since the afternoon. No dust is expected until Wednesday, when light concentrations are likely to reappear, especially later in the day.
Thin dust is also expected to remain in the atmosphere on Thursday, adding to the unsettled conditions expected during the latter part of the week.
Overall, the forecast points to a variable and unsettled spell of weather, with wind, intermittent rain and shifting conditions across different regions of the island.