Authorities in Cyprus have issued a weather warning as the island braces itself for extreme weather. The warning was issued by the Meteorological Department yesterday which will remain in place until midnight on Sunday.
According to experts, the island will be battered by strong winds and storms, with wintery weather also expected in parts. Snow has been seen in mountainous areas, while sleet could be hit in lower areas. Temperatures can reach as high as 21C in March, making the island a relatively popular choice for breaks in early spring.
According to forecasts, temperatures could be just six degrees celsius as the usually warm island is hit by unseasonable temperatures of six degrees inland and eight degrees on the coast.
In mountainous areas, temperatures could be -4 degrees Celsius, with ice forming and snow likely to hit.
However, temperatures are expected to be lower over the next few days as the island experiences a deluge of rain.
Forecasters have warned that as much as 35 to 55 millimetres of rain could fall each hour in affected areas, and conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout today.
Strong winds will hit the island from north to west, with gales of up to 5 on the Beaufort scale, and 7 on the coast, expected, bringing with it danger and rough seas.
Hail and thunderstorms could be joined by snow and sleet as the usually mild climate is hit by unseasonable conditions.
Tonight, we could see heavy clouds, isolated showers, and snowfall.
This will be followed tomorrow by a significant temperature drop, with snow, rain and storms expected to continue.
Better weather is within reach, however, with clear skies and more settled conditions forecast for Friday and Saturday before temperatures return to normal in the early part of next week.