Winter storm batters the island with rain, snow and freezing winds
Heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow have swept across the island as wintry weather takes hold. The stormy conditions have brought gusts of up to 9 Beaufort along the coasts, while temperatures have plunged to just 8°C in the mountains.
The worst of the weather is hitting western regions, where heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms have caused disruption. At higher elevations, snow has settled on Troodos, with Chionistra recording a depth of 14 cm.
Overnight, mountain temperatures are expected to fall to 3°C, raising the risk of localised frost. Inland areas have seen daytime highs drop to 18°C, well below typical seasonal levels. However, forecasters predict a shift starting tomorrow afternoon, with conditions gradually easing. By Thursday, a noticeable rise in temperatures should bring readings back in line with normal averages for this time of year.
The storm will begin to weaken from tomorrow, though cold nights will persist in the mountains. Warmer weather is set to return by midweek, ending the unseasonably chilly spell. Residents and travellers are advised to remain cautious of icy patches in high-altitude areas until then.
