Rain, severe thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds are set to hit Cyprus, with the Meteorological Service issuing a 20-hour yellow warning.
Specifically, the warning will be in effect from 9:00 p.m. on Thursday until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and according to the Meteorological Service, isolated heavy thunderstorms are expected to affect the region intermittently. “Initially, the western half of the island, followed by other areas. Rainfall is expected to range between 35 and 55 millimeters per hour, with local hail. Winds may vary and intensify, with gusts potentially reaching eight Beaufort.”
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Speaking on the Alpha News program, Andreas Chrysanthou, spokesperson for the Meteorological Service, noted that there will be a very significant change in the weather pattern, with the barometric pressure expected to significantly affect us starting in the afternoon and continuing late Thursday night.
Meanwhile, some rain is already expected starting at noon in mountainous and inland areas.
“However, we are warning of severe thunderstorms, as well as intense or prolonged weather events, beginning in the west and gradually spreading across the entire country from tonight through tomorrow morning, and again starting tomorrow afternoon and continuing thereafter.”
How the bad weather will develop
As Mr. Chrysanthou explained, after 9–10 p.m., we can expect local showers and isolated thunderstorms starting in the west and gradually spreading to the rest of the country.
“We should pay close attention to the coastal areas of Polis Chrysochous, Akamas, parts of the Paphos district, the Paphos coastline, Limassol,” he noted regarding Thursday evening, adding that these are the areas that will be the first to be hit by the storm.
From late Thursday night through Friday morning, the storm will “move across” the entire island, with rainfall expected throughout the country.
On Friday, severe instability is expected, with rain and thunderstorms mainly in the mountainous areas and the eastern half of the island, with Mr. Chrysanthou referring to “severe thunderstorms.”
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These weather conditions are expected to return after noon on Friday, while Mr. Chrysanthou noted that the warning is currently yellow, though an upgrade cannot be ruled out.
