snow

Scientists investigate thousands of dead Antarctic penguins for bird flu

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Scientists investigate thousands of dead Antarctic penguins for bird flu

Researchers are investigating if bird flu has caused the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of penguins in Antarctica. The H5N1 virus is suspected to be the cause, but field tests were inconclusive. Samples are being sent to labs for further analysis. The disease has spread rapidly in wildlife since arriving in South America in 2022 and has now reached Antarctica. Penguins, including threatened species like Adelie and emperor penguins, are at risk of being impacted by the virus.

Dams below 50 per cent capacity despite adverse weather

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Dams below 50 per cent capacity despite adverse weather

– Rainfall in February was only 48% of the average for that time of year, and temperatures were 2.1 degrees Celsius above normal.
– From October 2023 to February 2024, total rainfall was approximately 280.4mm, or 75% of normal.
– During the same period, 20 million cubic metres of rain flowed into reservoirs, which is below desirable levels.
– Reservoirs are at 47% capacity compared to 69% the previous year, containing 138 million cubic metres compared to over 200 million cubic metres going into the summer of 2023.
– The Kouris dam is at 40.8% capacity, Kalavasos at 30.3%, Lefkara at 63%, Asprokremmos at 55.6%, and Evretou at 54.6%.
– Inflow into reservoirs this winter has been low.
– It is unlikely there will need to be water cuts this summer, but there will be limits on the quantity given to agriculture.
– Measures are being promoted to inform farmers about improved irrigation practices and the maximum utilisation of reclaimed water.
– February’s weather included torrential rain, hail, snow in the mountains, and even a tornado, but these did not significantly contribute to reaching normal levels of rainfall for the month.
– Rainfall in Stroumbi in Paphos was 20% of the normal for February, while in Kelokedara it was 122% of the average. In the Larnaca district, rainfall ranged from 56% of normal in Meniko to 114% in Athienou.
– A tornado hit Yermasoyia on February 14, causing significant damage to houses, properties, and the electricity network, resulting in power cuts in several areas of Limassol.
– Nicosia district experienced flooding in the Potami area and damage in Kampos village due to bad weather.
– Torrential rain later in the month caused problems in Astromeritis, Evrycho, Agia Marina Xyliatou in Nicosia, and in Kofinou in Larnaca. The Kilrou dam also overflowed.
– The bad weather affected the entire island from February 13-18, impacting traffic flow on highways.
– Most weather stations recorded their highest maximum temperatures on February 6, 13, 25, and 29, reaching 16C and 17C. Only February 1 and 5 had temperatures below normal.

Showers and isolated storms expected on Thursday

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Showers and isolated storms expected on Thursday

On Thursday, the weather will be partly cloudy with local showers and isolated thunderstorms expected, mainly in the afternoon. Hail is possible during thunderstorms and snow or sleet may fall on the higher peaks of Troodos. Winds will be southeast to southwest, light to moderate, reaching speeds of 3 to 4 on the Beaufort scale. The sea will be smooth to slight. Temperatures will rise to around 15 degrees Celsius inland, around 18 in the southeast and east coastal areas, around 16 in the rest of the coastal areas, and 8 degrees in the higher mountains.

Storm dumps more than a foot of snow on parts of US Northeast

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Storm dumps more than a foot of snow on parts of US Northeast

– A powerful winter storm brought more than a foot of snow to parts of New England on Tuesday.
– New York City received its first significant snowfall in at least two years.
– Around 13 million people were under a winter storm warning until 7 p.m. local time.
– The storm produced heavy, wet snow and winds of up to 60 miles per hour.
– Farmington, Connecticut, and Sussex, New Jersey, had more than 15 inches of snow.
– In Fall River, Massachusetts, snow totals were expected to reach 9 inches.
– Boston received about an inch of snow by midday.
– New York City area saw snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches.
– The storm ended a nearly two-year “snow drought” in New York City.
– More than 2,000 plow trucks were deployed in New York City for snow clearance.
– Around 130,000 homes and businesses lost power in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
– School districts across the region, including New York City, canceled in-person classes.
– Over 1,100 flights to and from New York’s LaGuardia, Boston Logan International, and Newark Liberty International airports were delayed or canceled.

Dust levels double in Limassol, overnight yellow alert for rainfall

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Dust levels double in Limassol, overnight yellow alert for rainfall

Limassol had the highest level of dust in the atmosphere on Tuesday, more than double the safe level. Larnaca also had high levels of dust. The weather service attributed this to a low pressure front and heavy rainfall was expected later in the day. The Department of Labour Inspection urged the public and vulnerable groups to avoid open spaces due to the negative effects of dust on human health. The latest hourly dust concentrations in various areas were measured. The Meteorological Service issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall and continued high levels of dust. The weather was expected to remain unsettled with occasional showers and thunderstorms until the end of the week.

Rain and cold weather expected this weekend

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Rain and cold weather expected this weekend

Snow in Troodos, Cyprus, has reached a depth of six centimeters. The weather forecast for the island indicates mostly cloudy conditions with scattered showers. Temperatures are expected to reach 19 degrees Celsius inland and on the coast, and 11 degrees Celsius in the mountains. In the evening, temperatures are predicted to drop to five degrees Celsius inland, seven degrees on the coast, and three degrees in the mountains. Isolated storms are expected due to increased cloud cover in the evening. The following day, Friday, will also be mostly cloudy with scattered showers, and a slight drop in temperature is anticipated.

Today, ’s weather: Partly cloudy, chance of showers

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Today, ’s weather: Partly cloudy, chance of showers

Wednesday’s weather in Cyprus will be partly cloudy with a possibility of isolated light rain in the west and north. Temperatures will reach up to 20°C in the interior and on the southeast and east coast, 18°C on the southwest, west, and north coast, and 13°C in the higher mountains. Winds will be light and variable at first, up to 3 Beaufort, and later become south-to-northwesterly, reaching moderate strength at 4 Beaufort. The sea conditions will range from calm to slightly rough.

Overnight into Thursday, conditions will remain partly cloudy with fog formation expected in the morning, particularly inland and in the east. Nighttime temperatures will fall to 7°C in the interior, 9°C on the southeast coast, 11°C on the other coasts, and 4°C in the higher mountains. Winds will be weak at 2 to 3 Beaufort, and the sea will stay calm to slightly rough.

Thursday will see partly cloudy skies with potential showers in the west and north, and early morning fog in inland and eastern areas. Temperatures are expected to decrease slightly but will remain above the seasonal average.

Friday and Saturday are forecasted to be partly cloudy with afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the eastern half of the island. Temperatures are expected to remain steady.

The snow height in Troodos Square was reported to be 13 centimeters at the time the bulletin was issued.

Today, ’s weather: Mostly clear

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Today, ’s weather: Mostly clear

– Tuesday’s weather will be mostly clear.
– Temperatures will reach up to 19C inland, 21C on the coast, and 9C in the higher mountains.
– Winds will be south-to-north-westerly, light to moderate, up to 4 Beaufort, and up to strong, 5 Beaufort on the southwest coast.
– The sea will be rough.
– Overnight, there will be occasional low cloud in the west.
– Night temperatures will drop to 8C in the interior, 11C on the west and north coast, and 2C in the higher mountains, with expected frost.
– Winds will be mainly north-westerly to north-easterly, weak at 3 Beaufort, and the sea will remain somewhat rough.
– Increased clouds are expected for Wednesday and Thursday.
– Rains and storms are expected on Friday afternoon.
– Temperatures will slightly drop through Friday but remain above average for the season.
– The snow height in Troodos Square was 17 cm at the time the bulletin was issued.

Today, ’s weather: More snow in Troodos

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Today, ’s weather: More snow in Troodos

– More snow is expected in the Troodos Mountain range on Thursday.
– The snow depth at sunrise was 27 centimeters.
– Snowfall may be accompanied by isolated storms.
– Temperatures in the mountains are expected to reach three degrees Celsius.
– Isolated rains and storms are forecast for the eastern and northern coasts, spreading inland later.
– Maximum temperatures are expected to be 15 degrees Celsius inland and 16 degrees Celsius on the coasts.
– Winds will be moderate, at three or four on the Beaufort scale.
– Overnight, isolated showers are expected on the western and northern coasts.
– Overnight temperatures may drop to four degrees Celsius inland, six degrees Celsius on the coasts, and minus two degrees Celsius in the mountains.
– Increased cloud, rain, and snow in the mountains are expected through Friday and the weekend.
– Temperatures are expected to rise slightly on Friday and remain constant through the weekend.

Cyprus braces for winter storms

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Cyprus braces for winter storms

The Cyprus Met Office has issued an amber alert for intense rain and storms, expected to last for 48 hours. The civil defence department has warned the general population to stay indoors and has provided guidelines for preparing for the storms. The weather system responsible for the rain and chilly weather is called Avgi, and it is causing temperatures to drop significantly. Snowfall is expected in the mountains. The rainy and cold weather will continue for the next few days before temperatures start to warm up again.