A low-pressure weather system named Erminio is moving eastwards from Sicily and is expected to affect Cyprus from late afternoon, bringing rain, isolated thunderstorms and increased dust concentrations in the atmosphere.
The Department of Meteorology has issued a yellow warning for a combination of rain and isolated thunderstorms, in effect from 18:00 until 23:00. The western parts of the island are expected to be affected first, with the weather gradually spreading to the rest of the country. In some areas the phenomena may be prolonged or intense, with total rainfall locally exceeding 50 millimetres within six hours.
Yellow warning issued
According to the Meteorology Department, rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop later in the day as the weather system approaches Cyprus.
Dust will remain suspended in the atmosphere, with concentrations at times expected to be elevated.
Weather forecast
Today the weather will soon become mainly cloudy, with occasional localised showers, particularly in the west and mountainous areas. From late afternoon onwards, conditions are expected to deteriorate with rain and isolated thunderstorms.
Winds will blow from the north-east to south-east, moderate to strong at 4 to 5 Beaufort, temporarily reaching 5 to 6 Beaufort on windward coasts. The sea will initially be slightly rough but will gradually become generally rough. Temperatures will rise to around 19°C inland and along the south and east coasts, around 21°C on the west and north coasts, and around 15°C in the higher mountains.
Overnight conditions
Tonight rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected across the island, with locally intense weather possible. Winds will remain north-easterly to south-easterly, moderate to strong at 4 to 5 Beaufort, occasionally strengthening locally. During thunderstorms, winds may intensify and change direction.
The sea will remain generally rough. Temperatures will fall to around 11°C inland, about 15°C on the coasts and around 8°C in the higher mountainous areas.
Outlook for the coming days
On Thursday, local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected initially, but conditions are forecast to improve gradually by midday, with the phenomena limited to isolated showers.
On Friday, periods of increased cloud cover may produce isolated showers. On Saturday, the weather will start mainly clear but gradually increased cloud will develop, which may lead to isolated showers and possibly an isolated thunderstorm after midday, mainly over mountainous areas and the eastern half of the island.
Temperatures on Thursday will rise to around or slightly above average seasonal values. No significant change is expected on Friday, while on Saturday temperatures are forecast to fall to below the average climatic levels.