Cyprus to sizzle under record-breaking heatwave, thunderstorms warnings

Cyprus and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region are facing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels and an elevated risk of wildfires.

A new advisory bulletin from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warns of significantly higher-than-normal temperatures and prolonged heatwaves across the region until the end of July.

Climate models predict temperature deviations of 3 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal, with the most intense heat affecting Cyprus, Greece, Crete, Rhodes, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey.

The extreme heat is exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions, creating a heightened risk of wildfires.

The Department explained that persistent high-pressure systems contribute to the heatwave by preventing the formation of cooling winds.

The advisory notes a high probability of heatwaves for the entire month of July. The table below shows the normal maximum and minimum temperature values per five-day period for reference stations of the Department of Meteorology:

The Cypriot Department of Meteorology has warned the public to take precautions against the extreme heat and be vigilant about wildfire risks.

Meanwhile, the Cyprus Meteorology department on Monday issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms.

It said that isolated thunderstorms are expected to affect mainly the mountains.

During storms, hail is possible, it added.

Precipitation rates are expected to range between 35-55 millimetres, per hour.

The warning is effective between noon and 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15.