Police on Thursday urged drivers to be especially careful because of extreme weather conditions on the Limassol-Paphos (Avdimou area) and Nicosia-Limassol (Alambra area) highways.

It said there were strong winds and heavy rain, and visibility is poor. Drivers are urged to drive slowly, keep a safe distance from ongoing cars and switch on their headlights.

Meanwhile, in its weather forecast issued on Thursday morning, the met office said that the weather system named Philippos will begin affecting the island from this evening, while the cold air mass accompanying it will remain for the next few days.

Thursday afternoon will be mainly cloudy with local rain and isolated thunderstorms. Snow is expected in the higher Troodos peaks. Winds will be moderate to strong.


Thursday night will be mainly cloudy with local rain and isolated thunderstorms, mainly in the west. Snow is expected in the mountains, while hilly areas will see local snow or sleet. Winds will be strong to very strong. Temperatures will fall to 5C inland, around 8C on the coast and -3C in the higher mountains.

Friday will be mainly cloudy with local rain and isolated thunderstorms, more snow in the mountains and locally snow or sleet in mountain areas. Temperatures will rise to 11C inland, the west and north coasts, 12C on the remain coast and 1C in the mountains.

Saturday will be partly cloudy with the possibility of isolated rain and possible snow in the mountains.

Sunday will become gradually cloudy with local rain and isolated thunderstorms and snow in the mountains. Increased cloud at intervals on Monday are expected to lead to isolated rain and snow in the mountains, mostly from midday on.

Temperatures on Saturday and Sunday will remain at the same levels, edging up on Monday but remaining considerably below the seasonal average.