Nicosia: Summer showers in Cyprus are a common seasonal phenomenon and are not linked to climate change, Meteorological Officer Andreas Chrysanthou informed CNA. This year's summer is expected to be warm and dry, with no significant deviations from previous years.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Chrysanthou emphasized that studies by the Meteorological Department and the island's climatology show that atmospheric instability at this time of year is "a very common phenomenon, particularly in the mountainous and interior regions." Such conditions traditionally occur and may continue until mid-July. He also noted that episodes of instability have been recorded even in August, stressing that "these summer showers are a common phenomenon, especially in the mountainous areas," and should not be attributed to climate change.
Chrysanthou highlighted that the period from mid-July to mid-August is traditionally the hottest of the year in Cyprus when atmospheric instability becomes limited due to the dry conditions prevailing over the island.
Referring to temperatures, he mentioned that June is expected to end with values slightly above the seasonal average. While average maximum temperatures for the period are usually around 33-34 degrees in inland areas, this month is expected to conclude with averages of around 37 degrees. Looking ahead, Cyprus is anticipated to experience a warm and dry summer, with the highest temperatures expected between mid-July and mid-August. "During this period, we traditionally expect to reach 40 degrees again. We may even exceed 40 degrees this year in the interior areas. There are no trends indicating anything different," he stated.
Regarding the weather over the coming days, Chrysanthou explained that temperatures are expected to rise gradually through Tuesday, accompanied by continued atmospheric fluctuations affecting mainly mountainous and inland areas. Although most parts of the island will experience mainly clear skies with occasional cloud cover, local showers and isolated thunderstorms remain possible in some inland areas, particularly on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. The instability is expected to persist until Wednesday before gradually subsiding, after which mainly clear weather is forecast.
Chrysanthou added that temperatures are expected to reach around 33 degrees in inland areas on Saturday before gradually increasing to between 35 and 37 degrees by Tuesday. He clarified that references to "interior areas" mainly concern the Mesaoria valley, where the flat terrain heats evenly and favors the rapid development of convective clouds and thunderstorms.