The skies opened over Nicosia on Tuesday afternoon, with rain and thunderstorms affecting parts of the capital as a yellow weather warning issued by the Meteorological Service came into force.
The first showers appeared shortly after midday, with thunderstorms subsequently developing in parts of Nicosia as conditions changed noticeably across the island.
The yellow warning for severe thunderstorms came into effect at 1pm on Tuesday, 6 October, and will remain in place until 6pm.
According to the Meteorological Service, isolated strong thunderstorms are expected to affect mainly the mountainous areas, inland regions and parts of north-western Cyprus.
The storms may be accompanied by hail, while rainfall rates could locally exceed 35mm per hour.
Unsettled conditions expected through Wednesday
An unstable air mass is expected to affect the area through Wednesday.
This afternoon, the weather will be mainly cloudy, with occasional rain and isolated thunderstorms, particularly over the mountains, inland areas and the north-west of the island. Hail is possible during thunderstorms.
Winds will be mainly south-westerly to north-westerly, light to moderate at force 3 to 4, while temporarily reaching force 4 to 5 along southern and eastern coasts.
Winds may change direction and strengthen during thunderstorms. The sea will generally be slightly rough.
Cooler conditions overnight
Tonight, locally increased cloud will develop at intervals, with isolated showers possible along the coast.
Winds will gradually become downslope and light, at around force 3. The sea will become generally calm to slightly rough, although it will remain slightly rough locally in the west.
Temperatures will fall to around 15°C inland, 17°C on the coast and 8°C in the highest mountainous areas.
Further showers possible on Wednesday
Wednesday morning will see increased local cloud, with isolated showers possible, mainly along coastal areas.
The weather will gradually become mainly cloudy, with isolated showers and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.
Winds will initially be variable and light at force 3 before gradually becoming mainly south-westerly to north-westerly, light to moderate at force 3 to 4.
Temperatures are expected to rise to around 29°C inland and on the coast, and around 19°C in the highest mountainous areas.
Weather set to improve from Thursday
On Thursday, most areas will be mainly clear, with occasional increased cloud. After midday, clouds developing over the mountains may produce isolated showers.
Friday and Saturday are expected to be generally mainly clear, although locally increased cloud will occur at times.
Temperatures are expected to gradually rise through Saturday, reaching levels close to or slightly above the seasonal climatic average.
