**Rain and Thunderstorms on the Way as Weather Set to Deteriorate**
Cyprus is bracing for a shift in weather conditions starting late Sunday, as the Meteorological Office has issued a warning for rain, thunderstorms, and possible hail. This change comes as a result of weak low pressure currently affecting the region, combined with a disturbance approaching from the west.
According to the Met Office's forecast, Saturday is expected to begin with mostly fine weather, though clouds will increase throughout the day. Isolated light rain may occur in the mountainous areas. Daytime temperatures are predicted to reach around 30°C inland and along the southern and eastern coasts, while the western and northern coasts will see highs of about 28°C. In the higher mountainous regions, temperatures will be cooler, around 23°C.
Winds will initially be light, blowing at 3 Beaufort, but are expected to shift to a mainly southwesterly to northwesterly direction, increasing to 3 to 4 Beaufort. During the afternoon, winds along the southwest coast may strengthen to 4 to 5 Beaufort. As night falls, cloud cover will increase, with temperatures dropping to approximately 18°C inland, 20°C along the coast, and 11°C in the mountains.
On Sunday, the weather will remain partly to mostly cloudy, with the likelihood of isolated rain after midday, particularly in the mountainous areas. However, the most significant weather changes are expected late Sunday night into Monday, when local rain and isolated thunderstorms will begin to affect the western and northern parts of the island. These conditions are anticipated to spread to other regions as well. The possibility of hail during thunderstorms has also been noted.
As the storm system develops, winds are forecasted to become variable and strengthen, particularly along exposed coastal areas. Monday's weather will be predominantly cloudy, with local rain and intermittent thunderstorms. After midday, the focus of the weather will shift to the mountains and the eastern half of Cyprus, where hail may again accompany thunderstorms.
The unsettled weather is expected to persist into Tuesday, with continued cloudy skies, local rain, and isolated thunderstorms at intervals. Temperatures are predicted to decrease slightly on Monday and remain stable on Tuesday, settling below the seasonal average.
Residents and visitors in Cyprus are advised to prepare for the changing weather conditions and to stay updated on forecasts as the situation develops.