Yellow warning for thunderstorms

Cyprus’ Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain and possible hail as a low-pressure system moves across the island.

A warning for severe but isolated thunderstorms came into effect from 11 am Tuesday until 5 pm.

Yellow warnings are issued for conditions that do not pose an immediate threat to the general population but only to those exposed to the prevailing weather.

According to the Department of Meteorology, the intensity of the rain is expected to be between 35 and 55 millimetres per hour, with the possibility of hail.

Gathering clouds on Tuesday will bring rain and isolated storms from noon onwards, mainly in the mountains, inland and the north.

Drivers have been warned to take extra care on the roads.

Weather observers, KitasWeather said the atmospheric conditions would trigger more heavy thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions favour the creation of single-cell storms.

Often called “popcorn” convection, single-cell thunderstorms are small, brief, weak storms that grow and die within an hour or so.

They are typically driven by heating on a summer afternoon. Single-cell storms may produce brief heavy rain and lightning.

“Hazards during these storms are mainly heavy rainfall, with the potential for gusty winds and hail up to 2cm in diameter,” said KitasWeather.

On Tuesday, maximum temperatures are expected to rise to 26°C inland and on the coast and 20°C in the highest mountains.

The weather will be partly cloudy on Wednesday and Thursday while isolated showers are expected, not excluding brief storms.

It will also feel warmer during the week.

The rain should clear the atmosphere from high dust levels, but a second dust wave is expected to hit the island on Thursday.