Schools in Cyprus’ mountainous regions faced a day of disruption on Thursday, as heavy snowfall and ice kept key roads impassable. Authorities confirmed that several schools remained closed for a second consecutive day, with safety concerns growing due to worsening weather conditions.

The education ministry announced that Agros Apetio high school and Mitsis commercial school in Lemythou remained shut, alongside multiple primary schools and kindergartens in affected areas. In primary education, closures continued in Agros, Kyperounda, Pelendri, Pano Platres, Moniatis and Moutoullas.

The police reiterated their warning about hazardous road conditions in the regions of Limassol, Morphou and Nicosia. Authorities urged residents to stay updated through police bulletins before attempting any travel. Many mountain roads remain accessible only to vehicles with four-wheel drive or anti-skid chains.

The cold wave affecting Cyprus has intensified, making it the coldest in the past 23 months. Temperatures have dropped well below seasonal averages, with widespread frost forming overnight in mountain and semi-mountain regions. While significant weather phenomena are not expected before Saturday, occasional snowfall may occur due to the sea effect rain/snow phenomenon.


Since Wednesday night, snowfall has spread across the mountains, with some areas above 400 metres also experiencing snow. Temporary snow cover has been observed above 500 metres. Freezing temperatures have been recorded in Troodos, where the mercury has dropped to -1 degrees Celsius, and frost has taken hold. The biting cold is further intensified by strong northern winds, lowering the apparent temperature.

The Cyprus Meteorological Department issued a yellow weather warning for particularly low temperatures in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas on Thursday night. Residents are urged to take precautions, especially in regions where ice poses a risk to travel and daily activities.

Overnight temperatures led to a further build-up of ice, making several roads dangerously slippery. Police confirmed that key routes such as Paleochori-Askas, Paleochori-Farmakas and Tsakkistra-Kambos are open but extremely hazardous due to frost and compacted snow.

In the Limassol district, critical routes such as Amiantos-Karvounas and Karvounas-Kyperounda-Agros remain treacherous. Similar conditions persist in the Morphou and Nicosia regions, where roads connecting Kalopanayiotis, Pedoulas, Prodromos and Kakopetria are difficult to navigate.

Authorities have urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and to comply with the highway code. Those who must travel are advised to drive slowly, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and follow all traffic signs.

While mountain communities endure freezing temperatures, the rest of Cyprus remains largely unaffected. Urban roads and motorways remain operational, with no significant traffic disruptions reported in lowland areas. However, occasional rainfall and strong winds have been noted in several coastal regions.

The Meteorological Department has forecasted continued cold weather over the weekend, with further snowfall expected at higher altitudes. Although temperatures will slightly rise from Saturday, they will remain below seasonal averages. Increased cloud cover is expected to bring scattered showers and snowfall in higher elevations on Sunday and early next week.

Officials are closely monitoring conditions and will issue updates accordingly. Residents are advised to stay informed through official police announcements and weather bulletins before making any travel plans.