A major change in the weather is coming to Cyprus, ending the calm and unusually warm start to December. Forecasters are warning of a stormy period that could even bring snow to the highest mountains. The Department of Meteorology says a strong low-pressure system, named Byron, will replace the current calm weather. This will lead to several days of thunderstorms, strong winds, and much colder temperatures.
This shift marks a clear end to the recent mild weather, bringing conditions back to what is normal for this time of year. The change will start slowly on Thursday, with more clouds and some light rain, along with some dust in the air. However, the situation will become much more serious from Friday evening, as the storm system moves directly over the eastern Mediterranean.
The most unstable weather is expected over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday will be mostly cloudy with local showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings. A key aspect of this cold snap is that rain could turn to snow on the highest peaks of the Troodos mountains. As one report summarized, "Snow or sleet is possible on Saturday night and Sunday on Troodos’s highest peaks." This will likely attract visitors but also requires careful travel plans in mountain areas.
This change is due to several factors. Temperatures will drop sharply, from a high of around 24°C inland on Thursday to only 17-20°C by Sunday. At the same time, winds will strengthen from moderate to strong, sometimes reaching near gale force on Friday and Saturday. The strongest winds will hit northern, eastern, and southern coastal areas, creating dangerous conditions at sea.
The unsettled weather is forecast to continue into early next week, with showers and possible storms until at least Wednesday. People are advised to follow official weather updates, especially if they have outdoor plans or intend to travel to the mountains or by sea. This event is a powerful reminder of how quickly Mediterranean autumn weather can change, shifting from peaceful warmth to stormy cold in just a few hours.