The island of Cyprus is bracing for a prolonged period of severe weather as Storm Byron, a potent low-pressure system, moves into the region. Meteorological authorities have warned residents and visitors to prepare for a multi-day onslaught of heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and thunderstorms, with snow forecast for the highest elevations. The disruptive conditions are expected to commence Friday evening and intensify throughout the weekend, potentially necessitating the issuance of formal hazard warnings.
According to the Cyprus Meteorological Department, the approaching storm system, currently affecting Greece, will begin to exert its influence locally by Friday night. Spokesperson Andreas Hrisanthu confirmed the timeline, stating that "the 'Byron' weather wave affecting Greece will gradually begin to affect the island from tomorrow evening." What starts as isolated light rain is predicted to evolve into a more widespread and volatile pattern by Saturday afternoon, with localised thunderstorms likely to persist into the evening hours.
The meteorological picture outlines a series of compounding hazards. Winds are forecast to strengthen from the north-east to south-east, reaching strong to very strong force, with gusts potentially hitting 5 to 6 on the Beaufort scale, particularly in exposed coastal areas. These conditions will churn the surrounding seas to a rough state, posing significant risks to maritime activities and coastal navigation. Concurrently, a notable drop in temperatures will sweep across the island, bringing values down to or below the seasonal average by Monday. This cooling will be sufficient to transform precipitation over the Troodos mountain range into snow or sleet, especially on Saturday evening, potentially affecting travel on high-altitude roads.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have indicated that official warnings are imminent. Hrisanthu noted that "there is a possibility of a yellow or orange warning being issued in the coming hours." Such alerts would signal an escalation in the perceived risk level, urging the public to take precautionary actions. The anticipated heavy downpours raise concerns for localised flooding and reduced visibility, while the combination of rain, wind, and mountain snow could lead to disruptive travel conditions across the island.
The impending severe weather is set to extend its grip beyond the weekend, with impactful conditions likely to linger through Monday and unsettled patterns potentially continuing for much of the upcoming week. The extended forecast suggests a sustained period of atmospheric instability, prolonging the risks associated with the initial storm front. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor objects, reconsider non-essential travel—particularly in mountainous regions—and stay updated on official communications from the Meteorological Department. As Storm Byron approaches, the emphasis remains on preparedness for a severe and protracted weather event that will test the island’s resilience over the coming days.