Cyprus is set to endure its most frigid night of the winter season on Wednesday, with meteorological authorities issuing a stern frost warning for vulnerable inland and mountainous regions. The sharp descent in temperatures, attributed to a prevailing high-pressure system, is expected to usher in icy conditions, potentially leading to hazardous travel in sheltered low-lying areas. This significant cold snap marks a stark contrast to recent milder weather and heralds a shift towards more unsettled conditions later in the week.
The Department of Meteorology has forecast plummeting mercury, with temperatures predicted to dip to as low as -3°C in the higher mountain ranges. Inland areas are not to be spared, anticipating overnight lows of around 2°C, a considerable drop that has prompted the issuance of the frost alert. While the coast will offer a slight reprieve, with daytime highs on Thursday expected to reach a more palatable 17°C, the pervasive chill inland and at altitude is a cause for concern. The Troodos Mountains, already boasting a respectable 30 to 32 centimetres of snow on the Chionistra peak, are poised to experience further wintry conditions, with snow or sleet anticipated for the highest elevations over the weekend.
The current weather pattern, characterised by expansive clear skies, is the primary driver behind the dramatic temperature fall. These cloudless conditions facilitate the rapid dissipation of heat into the atmosphere, a phenomenon exacerbated by light, northwesterly to northeasterly winds that will further amplify the sensation of cold. While Thursday is expected to dawn with mostly clear skies, a gradual increase in cloud cover is anticipated by the afternoon, heralding a change that will become more pronounced as the week progresses.
Looking ahead, meteorologists predict a thickening of cloud cover by Friday, potentially bringing isolated showers to various parts of the island. The weekend is shaping up to be decidedly more inclement, with overcast skies and intermittent rain likely, particularly across the western half of Cyprus. This shift in weather is being attributed to the approach of a weak low-pressure system, which will gradually displace the current high-pressure dominance. By Sunday, a further noticeable drop in temperatures is expected, pushing readings below the seasonal average.
The implications of this cold snap extend beyond mere discomfort. The formation of ice in sheltered inland locations poses a significant risk to motorists, especially in the early hours of the morning. While the island's overall rainfall remains below par for the hydrological year, which commenced on October 1st, with current totals at 70% of normal, the prospect of increased precipitation over the weekend offers a glimmer of hope for water reserves. However, the immediate concern for residents and authorities is the immediate threat posed by the unseasonably harsh temperatures and the accompanying frost.
For those venturing into the mountains, the snow cover offers an opportunity for winter sports, but the extreme cold necessitates careful preparation and adherence to safety guidelines. The stark contrast between the current biting cold and the anticipated unsettled weather of the weekend underscores the dynamic nature of Cyprus's winter climate, reminding residents to remain vigilant and adapt their plans accordingly.