Hotter-than-normal summer expected
Cyprus summer temperatures are expected to be slightly higher than seasonal norms this year, according to Cyprus Meteorological Service Director Philippos Tymvios.
Speaking on Sigma TV’s Mesimeri Kai Kati, Tymvios said climate models indicate temperatures will remain above average throughout the summer, although this is not considered unusual for Cyprus.
“The summer will certainly be warm. Slightly warmer, at least according to the climate models, than what we would normally expect,” he said.
However, he stressed that significant temperature fluctuations are a normal characteristic of Cyprus summers.
“The Cyprus summer is characterised by many temperature variations, which often translate into temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius very frequently during the season,” Tymvios explained.
El Niño unlikely to have major impact on Cyprus
Referring to the El Niño phenomenon, Tymvios explained that it is a recurring climate pattern that develops every two to seven years in the tropical Pacific Ocean and is linked to changes in sea surface temperatures.
He noted that El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in a specific region of the Pacific are higher than average, while cooler-than-average temperatures are known as La Niña.
“Like all meteorological factors, there is an average value and sometimes temperatures are above it and sometimes below it,” he said.
Despite widespread international attention on the phenomenon, Tymvios said its impact on Cyprus is expected to be limited.
“Its effect on Cyprus and our region will not be particularly significant, nor will it be easily detected,” he said.
Why storms and hail occur during heatwaves
Tymvios was also asked to explain why thunderstorms, hail and rainfall can occur even on days when Cyprus summer temperatures are exceptionally high.
According to him, this is a completely normal weather pattern that occurs every year.
“No, this is the weather we’ve always had. This weather,” he said when asked whether weather conditions were becoming increasingly erratic.
He explained that intense heating of the ground causes warm air to rise rapidly into cooler layers of the atmosphere, leading to cloud formation and, under the right conditions, thunderstorms.
“The Earth heats up so much that the air is forced upwards and gradually rises into cooler air, creating clouds,” he said.
Humidity, local topography and the presence of the Troodos mountain range also play an important role in the development of storms.
“Thunderstorms require certain ingredients. First of all, you need humidity, and we all know there is humidity at the moment,” he noted.
He added that mountain terrain and wind convergence significantly contribute to the development of intense weather systems.
Rainfall reaches 120% of normal levels
Turning to the current hydrological year, Tymvios said rainfall figures have significantly exceeded expectations.
“I would not say the situation has been saved. In reality, we have received much more rainfall than we expected. We are close to 120%. It is a very significant difference,” he said.
He explained that rainfall remained particularly low until November before increasing substantially in the following months.
May proved especially wet, helping to improve water reserves across the island.
“It was a very wet May. It was not the wettest we have ever had, but it was among the 10 wettest,” he said.
Positive outlook for next winter
The Meteorological Service Director also expressed optimism about the coming winter based on long-range climate projections.
“It appears that the coming winter will also bring us sufficient rainfall,” he said.
He noted that one of the most encouraging developments is that soils and underground aquifers have already been replenished by this year’s rainfall.
“The particularly positive aspect is that the rainfall we receive next year will not fall on the dry ground we had last year. Instead, it will benefit an already enriched aquifer system, which can be replenished even further by future rainfall,” he concluded.
Also read: World Cup visa restrictions anger fans
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
