The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms, effective from 9:00 p.m. Sunday until 9:00 p.m. Monday. A low-pressure system moving southeast from the northwest of the island will bring a sharp weather shift, with coastal areas expected to bear the brunt of the storms. Forecasters warn that rainfall intensity could reach between 35 and 55 millimetres per hour, while total 24-hour accumulation may exceed 55 millimetres in coastal and mountainous regions. The storm cells might produce hail, and a cold air mass arriving on Monday will trigger snow in the higher peaks of the Troodos mountains, which could be heavy at times.
The weather will remain mainly cloudy throughout Sunday afternoon with local showers and isolated storms, particularly in the south and west. Conditions will deteriorate significantly overnight as the low-pressure system moves in. Winds will blow from the southwest, reaching 6 to 7 Beaufort along exposed coasts, causing the sea to become rough to very rough. Temperatures will drop to 8°C inland, 12-14°C on the coast, and 3°C in the mountains, where frost is expected in sheltered areas.
Widespread rain and thunderstorms will continue throughout Monday. Heavy snow is predicted for the higher mountains. Southwesterly winds will remain strong, reaching 5 to 6 Beaufort, with even stronger gusts during storms. Highs will reach 14°C inland and 16°C on the coast, though it will remain a chilly 3°C in the peaks.
On Tuesday, the weather will remain cloudy with local rain and isolated storms. Temperatures will fall below seasonal averages, with continued heavy snowfall in the mountains. Wednesday offers a brief respite with mainly clear skies and a slight rise in temperature. By Thursday, the weather will be partly cloudy with isolated showers and a possibility of sleet or snow on the highest Troodos peaks as temperatures return to near-normal levels for January.