An orange weather warning has been issued for Cyprus as a low-pressure system moving southeast from the southern Aegean Sea is set to bring severe weather conditions across the island.
The warning comes into effect at 7pm on Wednesday, 14 October, and will remain in force until 5am on Thursday, 15 October.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected
According to the warning, thunderstorms may produce rainfall rates of between 55mm and 70mm per hour.
The storms are also expected to be accompanied by:
- Strong and variable wind gusts.
- Possible hail.
- Locally intense and prolonged rainfall.
Weather deteriorating across the island
Wednesday's weather will be mostly cloudy, with isolated showers and thunderstorms initially affecting mainly western areas before spreading to other parts of the island.
Forecasters warn that some storms could become particularly severe, while winds are expected to strengthen during the day from 3-4 Beaufort to 4-5 Beaufort later on.
Sea conditions will be generally slight to locally moderate.
Temperatures are expected to reach:
- 27°C inland and along the coasts.
- 17°C in the higher mountains.
Unsettled conditions continue
Overnight, heavy showers and local thunderstorms are expected to continue, with the risk of hail remaining in stronger storms.
Temperatures will fall to:
- 17°C inland.
- 19°C on the coast.
- 9°C in the higher mountains.
Outlook through Saturday
Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled through the end of the week:
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy with periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms.
- Friday: Partly cloudy with afternoon showers and thunderstorms, mainly over inland, northern and mountainous areas.
- Saturday: Intervals of increased cloud with the possibility of isolated showers, particularly in the mountains.
Temperatures are forecast to remain below seasonal averages throughout the three-day period.
