For the past few days, all we’ve heard about is the The “Coral” cold snap. So what is it?

In short, it is an Arctic blast affecting southeastern Europe, including Cyprus, with temperatures significantly below the seasonal norms. This weather event is characterized by a sudden and severe drop in temperatures, accompanied by strong winds and snowfall in some regions.

Details of the Cold Snap

Temperature Drop: Temperatures in Cyprus are expected to plummet by 8 to 12 degrees Celsius by the end of the week. This means that temperatures will be 4-7 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average.

Snowfall: Snow showers are expected over the highest mountains, with the possibility of snow flurries or a wintry mix in some coastal areas.

Duration: The cold snap is expected to last until Sunday, with temperatures remaining way below zero in the highest mountains for at least 72-96 hours.

Record Lows: The record low temperature of -13 degrees Celsius for Troodos may be reached or broken.

Impact on Cyprus

Power Supply: The cold weather has put a strain on Cyprus’s power supply, with authorities warning of potential rolling blackouts due to increased electricity demand.

Emergency Measures: The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has implemented emergency measures to avoid blackouts, including drawing power from renewable sources and neighboring regions.

What is “Coral”?

“Coral” is the name given to this particular cold weather system. It is an Arctic air mass that has moved southwards, affecting southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. The system is characterized by very low temperatures, strong winds, and snowfall, particularly in mountainous areas.