The Mediterranean island of Cyprus endured a severe bout of disruptive weather over the weekend as a potent low-pressure system, designated ADEL, swept across the region. The Cyprus Meteorology Department issued a formal yellow alert, warning residents of intense thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. While the core of the storm has now moved northeastward, its lingering influence continues to affect parts of the island, with a full return to stability anticipated by midweek.
Meteorological authorities traced the genesis of the extreme conditions to the ADEL system, which became centered over the northern Aegean Sea. This atmospheric disturbance acted as a catalyst for a complex mix of adverse weather phenomena that converged on Cyprus beginning Saturday. The entire island fell under its influence, though the western and northern coastal regions, along with the elevated Troodos mountain range, bore the initial and most severe brunt of the onslaught.
During the peak of the event, forecast between late Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, conditions deteriorated markedly. The system generated intermittent but torrential downpours, with the most powerful thunder cells capable of producing precipitation rates exceeding 50 millimeters per hour—a intensity that risks flash flooding. These storms were also accompanied by hail, posing a threat to property and agriculture. Concurrently, winds intensified to force 4 or 5 on the Beaufort scale, churning coastal waters, particularly in the west and north, into a rough and hazardous state for mariners. Adding to the atmospheric tumult were intermittently high concentrations of airborne dust, reducing visibility and air quality.
Temperatures exhibited a stark contrast, underscoring the system’s volatility. Nighttime minimums plunged to approximately 12 degrees Celsius inland, with mountainous areas, including Troodos, experiencing lows near 7 degrees Celsius and even a possibility of sleet. Conversely, daytime highs managed to reach more moderate levels of around 20 to 22 degrees in most lowland areas, though they remained a chilly 10 degrees in the mountains.
The immediate impact of Storm ADEL was the imposition of hazardous conditions that disrupted daily life and necessitated heightened public caution. The official warnings served to alert the population to the risks associated with the heavy rainfall, potential hail damage, and gusty winds. While the storm’s most intense phase has passed, its departure has been gradual. Monday and Tuesday have been characterized by persistently unsettled weather, with isolated showers and thunderstorms, particularly in northern and mountainous localities, continuing to manifest as residual effects of the system’s passage.
Looking ahead, meteorological models suggest a steady amelioration of conditions. The persistent atmospheric instability is forecast to gradually subside, paving the way for more predictable and calmer weather by Wednesday. The episode of Storm ADEL serves as a potent reminder of the region’s vulnerability to rapid and intense meteorological shifts, even as the island begins to clear the debris and dry out from its unwelcome visit.