Cyprus experiences heavy rainfall and yellow weather warning

On October 6, 2026, the Department of Meteorology in Cyprus issued a yellow warning for extreme weather conditions, effective from 13:00 to 18:00. The warning covered mountainous areas, the inland region, and the northwest of the island, forecasting strong thunderstorms with potential hail and wind gusts, with rainfall intensity locally exceeding 35 millimeters per hour.

In Nicosia, specifically the Archangelos and Engomi areas, heavy rainfall lasting about 30 minutes caused severe localized flooding. Video footage depicted roads transformed into streams, leading to traffic disruption, including reports of vehicles becoming immobilized or hitting sidewalks. Beyond the immediate storm, data indicated that Cyprus had reached 77% of its average October rainfall by the morning of October 6, with stations in Athienou, Polis Chrysochou, Frenaros, and Xylotymbou exceeding their monthly norms.

The unsettled weather caused by an unstable air mass was expected to persist through October 7, with isolated showers and potential thunderstorms forecasted. Authorities predicted a gradual improvement in weather conditions and rising temperatures from Thursday through the weekend.