Dangerous driving conditions have developed across parts of Cyprus on Saturday afternoon as heavy rainfall, atmospheric dust and standing water combine to reduce visibility on major roads, with a yellow weather warning remaining in effect until 6pm.
Affected Routes and Hazards
The Paphos–Limassol motorway is among the worst-affected corridors, where elevated dust concentrations and heavy rain are significantly limiting sightlines for drivers. Water is pooling and flowing at multiple points along both the motorway and surrounding roads, creating slippery surfaces that increase stopping distances and the risk of aquaplaning.
Conditions on mountain roads are also severely compromised. Between Moniatis and Troodos, a combination of dense fog and dust is sharply reducing visibility, posing additional risks for drivers navigating the narrower highland routes.
Police Advice to Motorists
Cyprus Police have issued guidance urging all drivers to adapt their behaviour to the deteriorating conditions. Authorities are calling on motorists to reduce their speed, increase following distances from vehicles ahead, and ensure their headlights are switched on at all times while conditions persist.
What Is Causing the Conditions
A low-pressure system moving through the region is responsible for the unsettled weather. Dust is expected to remain present in the atmosphere into Sunday. This afternoon will stay largely overcast, with localised rain and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms. Winds during storm activity will be variable and gusty, with hail also possible in some areas. Winds more broadly are forecast to be south-westerly to north-westerly, ranging from weak to moderate at force three to four, and locally up to force four to five. Sea conditions will range from slightly rough to rough.
Outlook for the Coming Days
Sunday is expected to bring isolated showers to western and northern areas in the morning, with rain and isolated thunderstorms shifting towards the mountains and the eastern half of the island during the afternoon. Hail remains possible during any storm activity. Temperatures on Sunday are expected to reach approximately 21 degrees Celsius on the coast and inland, dropping to around 13 degrees in the higher mountain areas.
Into Monday, localised cloud build-up around midday could trigger isolated showers or a thunderstorm, particularly in the mountains south of Troodos. Tuesday and Wednesday are forecast to be largely clear, with some afternoon cloud and only a slight chance of light rain in the mountains on Tuesday.
Temperatures are expected to edge slightly higher on Monday before levelling off through mid-week, though they will remain marginally below seasonal averages throughout the period.
