A major change in the weather is expected for Cyprus this weekend. A storm system, officially named "Adel," will bring an end to the recent unusually warm weather. It will be replaced by rain, thunderstorms, and a significant drop in temperature. The national weather service has confirmed that this low-pressure system, currently over southern Italy, will move towards the northeast. It will bring unstable weather from Saturday evening until Monday.
This incoming change is a strong contrast to the current calm and stable conditions. On Friday and for most of Saturday, the skies will be partly cloudy with some dust in the air. Temperatures will remain much higher than is normal for this time of year. Inland and on the coast, the temperature will reach 25-26°C, while in the mountains it will be around 16°C. However, this pleasant weather will not last long. By Saturday afternoon, more clouds will appear, leading to isolated showers and thunderstorms. These will start in the west and north before spreading to other areas. The unstable weather will become stronger in the evening, and there is even a possibility of hail.
The most significant shift will happen on Sunday. As the storm system takes full effect, weather reports predict a "noticeable drop" in temperature. Local rain and isolated storms will continue, mainly in the afternoons. This will bring the weather back to more typical seasonal conditions. The changeable weather pattern is expected to last into Monday, with periods of clouds and occasional showers.
Different news sources agree on the forecast but present it in slightly different ways. Some, like Kathimerini Cyprus, give a very technical report and specifically name "Adel" as the cause of the change. Others use a more descriptive style, pointing out that the weather will interrupt what would have been a perfect weekend to be outdoors.
The incoming rain is expected to wash away the dust in the atmosphere by Saturday afternoon, which will improve the air quality. Winds during this time will be from the northeast to southeast and will generally be light to moderate. However, they may become stronger in areas exposed to the wind. People going out to sea should be careful, as conditions will be slightly rough to rough in some places, especially along the eastern coast.
This upcoming weather pattern highlights how changeable spring can be in the Eastern Mediterranean. It will finally end a long period of unseasonable warmth and return the island to its more characteristic, variable climate for the start of the new week.