Yellow weather warning for storms and hail in Cyprus

The Cyprus meteorological department issued a yellow weather warning for Monday, valid from 11am until 6pm, for isolated heavy thunderstorms expected island wide.

Precipitation rates expected to exceed 35 millimeters per hour and hail is also forecast while surface wind will be variable and strengthening.

The weather front will move in from the southwest and gradually spread elsewhere. Temperatures will be to 18C inland and on the coast, and 7C in the higher mountains. Winds will initially be variable and weak, up to 3 Beaufort, gradually turning south-easterly to south-westerly, up moderate, 4 Beaufort. The sea will be slightly rough.

Overnight will be cloudy with a chance of isolated rains or a storm, later clearing. Temperatures will drop to 4C inland, 9C on the coast, and 1C in the higher mountains, where frost is expected. Winds will be mainly north-westerly to north-easterly, weak, 3 Beaufort, and the sea will be calm to slightly rough.

Tuesday will be mainly cloudy with isolated rains or a storm in the afternoon hours, mainly in the western half of the island, while on Wednesday partial clouds and afternoon rains are expected in the east.

Thursday will bring a significant temperature drop and more rain while snow or sleet are likely in the higher mountains.

The height of the snow, at 5am, was 2 cm in Troodos Square and 10cm in Chionistra.