The department of meteorology issued a yellow weather alert for Tuesday, in place from noon until 6pm.

“Isolated heavy thunderstorms are likely to affect the area. Shower rates may exceed 35mm per hour,” the service warned.

The weather will be mostly clear in the morning, with clouds increasing later in the day. Snow may fall in the higher mountains.

Temperatures are forecast to rise to 18C inland and in coastal areas and 9C in Troodos.

At night, they will drop to 5C inland, 8C near the sea and zero degrees in the mountains.

On Wednesday, it will be slightly cooler, and more rain and snow are expected.

On Thursday morning, isolated rains or thunderstorms are expected in the east, but gradually the weather will become mostly clear. Temperatures will rise significantly.