Meteorology Department spokesman Andreas Chrysanthou discussed significant temperature fluctuations on “Protoselido,” noting yesterday’s night as the coldest yet inland.
Athalassa station recorded 1.2°C, with lowland areas between 2°C and 3°C. Mountains saw -3°C at Troodos Square and -5°C to -6°C at Chionistra.
The previous night held the mountain record for coldest temperatures, with Prodromos at -4°C and Chionistra at -7°C. Despite intense overnight cold, daytime temperatures are rising gradually.
Daytime rise before new chill
Today, maximums reach about 15°C inland, 17°C coastal, and 6°C in mountains. Expect 1-2°C rise by Friday, hitting 16°C inland and 18°C coastal.
From Saturday, a northern cold air mass will lower temperatures from Sunday, lasting until mid-next week, possibly Wednesday or Thursday.
This could bring lower temperatures than recorded so far across lowlands, coasts, and mountains, marking a second cold wave. Local rain forecast for Friday, more over weekend without major storms. Snow possible higher Troodos from Monday-Tuesday, aiding ski areas and water cycle.
Rainfall boost but dam concerns
Rain in January over five to six days after the 8th contributed significantly. It reached 47% of the normal amount, a satisfactory figure for so few wet days. The hydrological year stands at 70%, bolstered by a strong December, making it overall satisfactory.
Increased rain does not fully translate to dam inflows. Prior droughts have left the soil parched, absorbing much of the water before it reaches reservoirs. This highlights increasingly dry conditions across the island.
Long-term data shows wet years – over 120% of normal – occurred nearly every two years before the 1970s. Now, they appear about once every eight years. Water demands continue rising due to population growth and development, worsening deficits.
Even inflows from rain or snowmelt fail to offset shortfalls in each eight-year cycle. Climate data from the Meteorology Department and Water Development Department clearly indicate worsening trends. These facts urge improved planning and management of Cyprus’s water resources.
Also read: Cyprus Treasury publishes salaries of all state officials
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