Cyprus is set to experience a significant deterioration in weather conditions on Friday, January 9, 2026, as a potent combination of strong winds and thunderstorms is forecast to sweep across the island. The Department of Meteorology has issued a yellow weather warning, signalling the potential for disruptive and hazardous conditions, particularly concerning the powerful gusts that are anticipated.
The meteorological services attribute this impending atmospheric upheaval to the influence of a cold air mass and a significantly enhanced air current moving into the region. From early Friday morning, specifically from 08:00 local time and continuing until 22:00 that evening, residents can expect winds predominantly blowing from the south-westerly to north-westerly directions. These winds are forecast to range from moderate to strong, registering between Force 4 and 5 on the Beaufort scale. However, the situation is expected to escalate, with locally strong to very strong gusts reaching Force 5 to 6, and at times, temporarily intensifying to very strong, bordering on near-gale Force 6 to 7. The most concerning aspect of the forecast involves wind gusts, which are predicted to reach potentially storm-force levels, equivalent to Force 8 on the Beaufort scale. Average wind speeds are anticipated to hover around Force 6 to 7, with brief periods where Force 7 might be recorded in certain locales.
The impact of these powerful winds will be felt across the island, but the most severe phenomena are expected to be concentrated in the mountainous regions and northern areas, particularly during the earlier part of Friday. Rainfall is predicted to commence in the western and northern sectors of Cyprus, subsequently spreading its reach to encompass the remainder of the island as Friday night progresses. Concurrently, isolated thunderstorms are a distinct possibility, with the northwestern parts of the island being particularly susceptible to electrical activity during the latter hours of Friday. Furthermore, a wintry touch is expected for the highest mountainous elevations, where snowfall is anticipated to occur on Friday night.
The deteriorating weather will not be confined to the air; the seas surrounding Cyprus are also forecast to experience considerable disturbance. Conditions are expected to become generally rough, escalating to very rough in the western and northern coastal zones. This gradual decline in sea conditions is a direct consequence of the prevailing wind patterns and the overall atmospheric instability.
Looking beyond Friday, the forecast for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday suggests a continuation of unsettled weather. These days are expected to be characterised by periods of predominantly cloudy skies, punctuated by local rainfall. The possibility of isolated thunderstorms persists throughout this extended weekend, and in the higher mountain ranges, residents may witness both hail and snow.
Temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild for the season, reaching approximately 15 degrees Celsius inland and along the northern and western coastlines. Other coastal areas may see slightly higher temperatures, around 17 degrees Celsius, while the higher mountainous regions will experience cooler conditions, hovering around 6 degrees Celsius. Overnight, minimum temperatures are projected to dip to around 9°C inland and along the southeastern, northern, and eastern coasts, with other coastal areas experiencing lows of about 11°C. The highest mountain areas will see the most significant temperature drop, falling to close to 1°C. A gradual warming trend is anticipated from Saturday through Sunday, with a slight cooling expected on Monday, bringing temperatures back to near their average climatological values. Despite the temporary severity, the overall forecast suggests a return to more typical winter temperatures by early next week.