Cyprus is bracing for a damp holiday period as the latest forecasts from the Department of Meteorology predict an unsettled “wet” Christmas across the island, punctuated by an immediate yellow weather alert for severe thunderstorms.
While families prepare for the festive season, the weather is expected to remain unstable through the end of the week. Christmas Eve on Wednesday will bring partially cloudy skies and isolated showers, followed by a similar outlook for Christmas Day. Meteorologists warn that while Thursday morning may start mild, isolated rain and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms remain a threat for Christmas Day celebrations.
The holiday forecast follows the issuance of a yellow weather warning, which remains in force from 11:00 pm on Monday, 22 December, through to 9:00 am on Tuesday, 23 December.
The Department has warned of isolated heavy thunderstorms and hail, initially striking the western and southern coastlines before progressively moving inland. Rainfall intensity during these storms could exceed 35mm per hour, accompanied by shifting and strengthening winds.
For those travelling to higher altitudes, conditions will be significantly colder. Sleet or snow is forecast for the highest peaks of the Troodos range on both Monday and Tuesday nights, with temperatures dropping to 4°C in the mountains and frost expected to form in sheltered areas by early Tuesday morning.
Despite the persistent rain and storm activity, temperatures are expected to remain slightly above the seasonal average. Daytime highs will reach approximately 18°C inland and 20°C along the coast through Friday.
The Department of Meteorology notes that while the most severe storm activity should subside by Tuesday afternoon, the low-pressure system will continue to bring intermittent showers and cloud cover throughout the holiday weekend.
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