A significant meteorological shift is poised to disrupt Cyprus’s tranquil early December weather, with forecasters warning of an impending period of stormy conditions that could deposit snow on the island’s highest elevations. The Department of Meteorology has issued a detailed advisory indicating that a powerful low-pressure system, designated Byron, will displace the current stable high-pressure zone, ushering in a multi-day phase of volatile weather encompassing thunderstorms, strong winds, and a marked drop in temperatures.
This incoming weather pattern signals a decisive end to the recent spell of unseasonably mild conditions, returning the island to climatic norms typical for the time of year. The transition is expected to commence gradually on Thursday, with increasing cloud cover and isolated light showers, compounded by a haze of atmospheric dust. The situation is forecast to intensify considerably from Friday evening, as the core of the Byron system begins to exert its influence directly over the eastern Mediterranean.
According to the meteorological service, the most unstable conditions are anticipated throughout the weekend. Saturday and Sunday will see predominantly cloudy skies with localised showers and isolated thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. A notable feature of this cold snap is the potential for precipitation to turn wintry on the summit of the Troodos mountain range. As one outlet summarised from the official forecast, "Snow or sleet is possible on Saturday night and Sunday on Troodos’s highest peaks." This prospect will attract visitors but also necessitates caution for travel in high-altitude areas.
The deteriorating conditions will be driven by a combination of factors. Temperatures, which are expected to reach a high of around 24 degrees Celsius inland on Thursday, will plummet to a maximum of 17-20 degrees by Sunday. Concurrently, winds are predicted to strengthen from a moderate northeasterly to southeasterly flow into a robust force, at times reaching near gale-force strength on Friday and Saturday. These gusts will be most acutely felt along windward coastal areas in the north, east, and south, whipping the sea into a rough state and posing hazards for maritime activities and coastal navigation.
The unsettled regime is projected to persist into the early part of next week, with scattered showers and possible thunderstorms remaining in the forecast through at least Wednesday. The public is advised to stay apprised of official updates, especially those with plans for outdoor activities, mountain travel, or sea voyages. This episode serves as a potent reminder of the dynamic and rapidly changing nature of Mediterranean autumn weather, capable of swinging from serene warmth to stormy chill within a matter of hours.