Siberian cold front “Coral” brings sub-zero temperatures to Nicosia

Source: in-cyprus.com

Cyprus is bracing for an unusual week-long arctic blast that will bring snow at low altitudes and sub-zero temperatures to Nicosia.

The cold front, named “Coral”, is moving from Siberia and will hit the island on Thursday, bringing strong northerly winds, rain, and snow at elevations as low as 300 metres.

“We will witness uncommon phenomena”, said Filippos Tymvios, director of the Department of Meteorology, noting that temperatures in mountainous areas will remain below freezing even during daylight hours.

Temperatures are expected to drop about 5 degrees below seasonal averages on Thursday, with further decreases forecast for the following days, according to the Department of Meteorology.

The cold snap will peak over the weekend with increased cloud coverage, rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall even in lower mountain areas. Mountain regions will experience a rare “freezing day” phenomenon from Friday to Sunday, with both maximum and minimum temperatures remaining below zero.

The most severe conditions are predicted for late Sunday night through Monday morning, when temperatures are expected to fall below zero in inland areas. Coastal regions will also experience near-freezing temperatures, raising concerns about frost damage to crops, particularly in the Kokkinochoria region.

The weather system, named by a group comprising the national meteorological services of Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, stems from high-pressure systems in the Siberian anticyclone.

Officials said the cold front is expected to begin weakening from Monday, with conditions returning to normal the following week.

The system will also affect Israel, bringing the lowest temperatures the country has experienced in many years.

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