# Weather instability in Cyprus and Greece

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/weather-instability-in-cyprus-and-greece
> Updated: 2026-08-29T04:40:47.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

Unsettled weather conditions characterized by seasonal low pressure and unstable air masses have affected Cyprus and Greece. Initial reports indicated increased cloud cover, localized rainfall, and isolated thunderstorms, with a possibility of hail in mountainous and southeastern regions of Cyprus. In Greece, instability was expected to bring showers and potential thunderstorms to western mountainous areas. On August 18, the Cyprus Meteorological Service issued a yellow warning for strong, isolated thunderstorms effective from 13:00 to 18:00. Forecasts warned that rainfall intensity could locally exceed 35 mm per hour, accompanied by the possibility of hail. The instability was expected to impact mountainous areas, the interior, and potentially the eastern coasts, with the unstable air mass predicted to recede by Thursday. On August 29, the severity of the weather increased as the Cyprus Meteorological Service issued an orange warning for severe weather conditions across the island. A northern disturbance was expected to bring heavy rainfall, with intensity potentially reaching between 55 and 70 mm per hour, alongside thunderstorms, hail, and strong wind gusts. Wind speeds were forecasted to reach 4 to 5 Beaufort, with gusts potentially hitting 6 Beaufort in northern areas. In response, Civil Defense and the Cyprus Police issued safety recommendations, advising citizens to limit unnecessary travel, secure outdoor objects, and exercise extreme caution while driving to avoid flooded roads. The storm resulted in one fatality and widespread disruption. In the Cape Greco area, three vessels were caught in heavy sea turbulence and struck rocks; two boats were completely destroyed. A major rescue operation involving the ‘NEARCHOS’ plan, helicopters, and police recovered six people, but one Greek-Cypriot man died at the hospital. The Cyprus Fire Service received 357 emergency calls regarding flooding, fallen trees, and lightning-induced fires.

## Claims

- The Meteorological Service issued an orange warning for severe weather, including heavy rain and hail. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Three vessels were damaged or sunk after striking rocks due to heavy sea turbulence. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Fire Service received 357 calls related to the extreme weather conditions. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- One Greek-Cypriot man died after his vessel was caught in severe weather near Cape Greco. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Eleven flights were diverted due to adverse weather conditions, primarily affecting Larnaca and Paphos airports. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A 45-year-old man was injured by a lightning strike in the Larnaaka district. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The National Search and Rescue Plan 'NEARCHOS' was activated following a maritime incident. (single source)
- Approximately 40 medium-voltage electrical faults were recorded due to the storm. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Cyprus weather emergency causes one death and widespread destruction

Severe storms in Cyprus have caused one death at Cape Greco after three boats were destroyed, widespread flooding, 357 fire service calls, and multiple electrical and aviation disruptions.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-issued-orange-warning-for-severe-thunderstorms-and-hail

### 2026-08-18: Cyprus issued yellow warning for severe thunderstorms

Cyprus has been placed under a yellow weather warning for strong, isolated thunderstorms, potential hail, and heavy rainfall in mountainous and interior regions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-issued-yellow-warning-for-severe-thunderstorms

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Cite as: Weather instability in Cyprus and Greece. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/weather-instability-in-cyprus-and-greece