**Nicosia, Cyprus** – Residents across Cyprus are bracing for a weekend of meteorological unpredictability, with forecasters predicting a significant shift from the current fair conditions to a more unsettled pattern. The upcoming Carnival celebrations and the subsequent Green Monday holiday could see outdoor plans significantly impacted by a band of changing weather, according to the latest reports from the Meteorological Office.
The prevailing atmospheric conditions are being influenced by a weak low-pressure system that is gradually moving into the region. This system is expected to introduce a notable departure from the prevailing clear skies, ushering in periods of cloud cover, isolated rainfall, and the potential for isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures are also set to experience fluctuations, adding another layer of uncertainty to the weekend's outlook.
Saturday is anticipated to begin with predominantly clear skies, offering a pleasant start to the day. However, as midday approaches, a gradual increase in cloudiness is expected. The afternoon is likely to bring the first signs of precipitation, with isolated showers potentially affecting the mountainous terrains of Troodos and the Kyrenian range. By Saturday evening, the cloud cover may persist, with a possibility of isolated rain showers extending to coastal areas such as Paphos and Limassol.
Temperatures on Saturday are forecast to be around 22°C in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca during the day, before dipping to approximately 7°C overnight. Paphos is expected to see daytime temperatures around 20°C, with a cooler overnight low of 13°C. The Kyrenia region can anticipate daytime highs of around 20°C. The higher elevations of Troodos will experience significantly cooler conditions, with daytime temperatures hovering near 12°C and dropping to around 2°C after dark, where local frost is a distinct possibility. Winds, initially from the north-westerly to north-easterly direction, are expected to be light to moderate, potentially becoming stronger in windward areas before shifting to a south-westerly to north-westerly flow. The seas are anticipated to be slightly choppy.
The unsettled pattern is projected to intensify on Sunday, a key day for Carnival festivities. The day is expected to be partly cloudy with intermittent periods of local rain and the chance of isolated thunderstorms. The progression of this rainfall is predicted to commence in the western parts of the island and towards the Troodos mountains, subsequently spreading eastwards as the day unfolds. In a notable development for the highest peaks of the Troodos range, snow or sleet is a possibility, adding a distinctly wintery element to these elevated areas. Temperatures are expected to see a slight decrease on Sunday, though they are anticipated to remain just above the seasonal averages. Winds will predominantly be north-westerly, light to moderate, and the seas will remain slightly choppy.
Adding to the atmospheric complexity, a suspension of light dust may be present across the island until Sunday evening, potentially affecting visibility.
The implications of this volatile forecast are significant, particularly for those planning outdoor activities during the Carnival weekend and the subsequent Green Monday. The intermittent rainfall and potential for thunderstorms could necessitate last-minute changes to plans, while the dust may also present minor inconveniences. The dip in temperatures, especially in mountainous regions, will require appropriate attire for those venturing into higher altitudes, with the possibility of frost and even snow on the highest peaks posing a particular challenge. As the island navigates this period of meteorological transition, residents are advised to stay informed of the latest updates from the Meteorological Office to best prepare for the unpredictable weather ahead.