A historical overview of the most severe and defining snowfall events in Cyprus was presented by former Meteorological Service Director Kleantis Nikolaides, speaking on the television programme Protoselido.
Drawing on archival material and official records, Nikolaides outlined weather events that left a lasting mark on the island’s climatic history, from nationwide blizzards to record-breaking snow depths in the Troodos mountains.
The legendary February 1950 blizzard
According to Nikolaides, the “great freeze” of February 1950 remains a benchmark event, not only for the depth of snow but for its geographical spread, as snowfall covered the entire island.
In Nicosia, snow reached around 30 centimetres, with snowmen reportedly remaining intact for a week or more. In rural areas, snow in some cases rose as high as house windows, while British colonial authorities at the time were forced to airdrop supplies by parachute to isolated communities.
Snow was recorded even in coastal areas such as Ayia Napa and Larnaca, with dozens of villages remaining cut off for more than a week.
The hydro-meteorological record of 1968–1969
Nikolaides noted that the 1968–1969 period is historically recorded for the highest cumulative rainfall, with an average surface distribution of around 800 millimetres across Cyprus.
While snowfall did occur in January 1968 and even covered Nicosia, this period is not associated with record snow depth, but rather with exceptional rainfall totals.
Record snow at Troodos in 1981
Special reference was made to 1981, when the absolute record for cumulative snow depth was recorded at Troodos Square, reaching 248 centimetres – nearly 2.5 metres.
At the peak of Mount Olympus, estimates suggest snow depth exceeded 3 to 3.1 metres, although no official measurements exist, as snow gauges were installed at a later stage.
The 24-hour snowfall record of 1989
In 1989, Cyprus experienced its highest recorded snowfall within a 24-hour period, with 70 centimetres measured at Troodos Square.
Nikolaides described the weather system responsible as exceptionally powerful and unique by Cyprus standards.
Snowstorms of 1992 and later severe weather
The former Meteorological Service director also recalled the severe snowfalls of 1992, which resulted in widespread village isolation and large-scale rescue and supply operations. These involved police helicopters and mechanised units of the National Guard, with even lower-altitude communities cut off.
More recent snow events were recorded in 2004, when mountain villages above 800 metres were briefly isolated for around two days, and again in 2015, when one of the highest snow depths since 2000 was measured, reaching 150 centimetres at Troodos Square.
Also read: Cold wave brings low temperatures and snow to mountains
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