A shift in weather patterns will bring local showers, isolated thunderstorms, and a potential dusting of snow to the Troodos peaks this Christmas, according to the Department of Meteorology.
Meteorological Officer Panayiotis Georgiou confirmed on Wednesday that while weak high pressure currently affects the region, conditions will deteriorate on Christmas Day. The forecast predicts rain and storms—potentially accompanied by hail—starting primarily in the afternoon. On the highest peaks of the Troodos mountains, the precipitation may turn to sleet or snow as the festive period progresses.
Temperatures on Christmas Day are expected to reach 19°C inland, 20°C along the coast, and 9°C in the higher mountains. Winds will remain light to moderate, blowing from the northeast to southeast at 3 to 4 Beaufort, leaving the sea smooth to slight.
However, the mild conditions are expected to be short-lived. A more significant cold front is projected to arrive over the weekend, with Georgiou predicting a further temperature drop of 3°C to 4°C by Saturday and Sunday. This decline will push temperatures slightly below the seasonal average, accompanied by increased cloud cover and intermittent storms.
The Department of Meteorology has advised those travelling to mountainous areas for the holidays to remain alert for sudden changes in visibility and road conditions, particularly if snow begins to accumulate on the higher peaks toward the end of the week.
Ρεαδ μορε