Cyprus is bracing for a significant deterioration in weather conditions commencing on Saturday, as a potent combination of rain and snow is forecast to sweep across the island, accompanied by a substantial and prolonged temperature drop. The Department of Meteorology has issued a stark warning, indicating that Monday is poised to be the coldest day of the winter season thus far, with a noticeable dip in temperatures expected to persist until then.
According to Panagiotis Lingis, a meteorological officer, the impending atmospheric shift is attributed to a confluence of factors: the ingress of a considerably colder air mass into the region and the approach of a low-pressure system. This meteorological convergence is set to usher in a spell of unsettled weather, impacting various locales from the rugged peaks of the Troodos mountains to the coastal fringes and inland plains.
The transition will begin subtly on Saturday, initially characterised by predominantly overcast skies and intermittent rainfall, particularly after midday. The potential for brief, isolated thunderstorms has also been flagged. As the day progresses, sleet or snow is anticipated to grace the higher elevations of the Troodos range. These precipitation phenomena are expected to manifest gradually, commencing in the mountainous and western sectors of the island, with isolated showers potentially developing in these same areas and the western half of Cyprus during the evening. The intensity and geographical spread are projected to escalate considerably from Saturday night into Sunday morning, promising more widespread rain.
Sunday is forecast to continue the theme of widespread rain, with snow or sleet expected to fall in the higher mountainous regions. The southwestern parts of the island may experience scattered showers, while the snow cover in the mountains is likely to persist. The outlook for Monday suggests a continuation of the cold snap, with isolated instances of rain and mountain snow. Crucially, temperatures are predicted to remain stubbornly below the seasonal averages for an extended period, only beginning a modest ascent on Tuesday.
The impact of this weather system will be felt keenly across the island. A marked decrease in ambient temperatures is a certainty, with lows in the interior potentially plummeting to around 10°C on Monday morning. In the mountains, temperatures could dip below freezing, and frost formation is a distinct possibility at higher altitudes. In fact, temperatures are expected to decline by approximately 5°C compared to current levels, a significant deviation from the typical seasonal average of around 16°C for this period. The snow depth recorded at Chionistra currently stands at a respectable 28 centimetres, a figure that may well increase with the anticipated snowfall.
Winds are expected to be initially light and variable, registering at around 3 Beaufort. By late afternoon on Saturday, they are predicted to shift, becoming predominantly north-easterly and settling at a light to moderate strength of 3-4 Beaufort. Throughout the weekend and into Monday, winds are expected to remain relatively light, originating from the northwest to northeast. The sea conditions are anticipated to be calm to slightly choppy, posing little concern for maritime activities.
While the weather is expected to begin its gradual improvement after midday on Sunday, the lingering chill and the prospect of Monday being the coldest day of the winter so far serve as a potent reminder of nature's unpredictable power. Residents are advised to stay informed of the latest meteorological updates as the island navigates this significant weather event.