Christmas this year will see temperatures plunge by 4°C, accompanied by wet weather and potential snow in the Troodos mountains.
- Christmas this year will see temperatures plunge by 4°C, accompanied by wet weather and potential snow in the Troodos mountains.
According to the Department of Meteorology, a shift in weather patterns is set to bring localised showers, isolated thunderstorms, and even a light dusting of snow at higher elevations. Panayiotis Georgiou, a Meteorological Officer, confirmed that the current weak high pressure affecting the region is expected to give way to deteriorating conditions on Christmas Day.
The forecast anticipates rain and storms beginning primarily in the afternoon, with the possibility of hail. As the festive period continues, precipitation in the Troodos mountains might mix with sleet or snow.
On Christmas Day, temperatures are predicted to reach 19°C inland, 20°C along the coast, while the higher mountains will be cooler at around 9°C. Winds are expected to be light to moderate, blowing from the northeast to southeast at 3 to 4 Beaufort, resulting in smooth to slight sea conditions.
However, this mild weather will be short-lived, as a more significant cold front is forecast to arrive over the weekend. Georgiou projects a further temperature drop of 3°C to 4°C by Saturday and Sunday, bringing temperatures slightly below the seasonal average. This change will also see increased cloud cover and intermittent storms.
The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for those planning to travel to mountainous areas during the holidays. Travellers are advised to remain vigilant for sudden changes in visibility and road conditions, especially if snow begins to accumulate on the higher peaks toward the end of the week.
