Cyprus records eighth-hottest July since 1968

Cyprus issued either a yellow or an orange warning for “extreme” temperatures on 11 of July’s 31 days, yet the month ranked as only the eighth-hottest July since systematic records began in 1968, according to the Meteorological Department. Department data shows this July was relatively mild when compared with extreme highs recorded at various points in the past, including 41.3°C at Polis Chrysochous, 41.6°C at Paphos airport, 40.2°C at Akrotiri, 41.1°C at Larnaca airport, 44.7°C at Athalassa and 36.4°C at Prodromos. The 44.7°C reading at Athalassa, recorded last year, remains the highest temperature ever registered in Cyprus in the month of July. The highest temperature ever recorded in Cyprus in any month exceeded 45°C. Temperatures may be felt more acutely in central Nicosia, where the concentration of concrete buildings can push readings higher than those recorded at Athalassa, meaning forecast temperatures are often exceeded on thermometers in the city centre. Overnight lows this July also reached notable highs, with minimum temperatures of 27.6°C recorded at Polis Chrysochous, 27.8°C at Paphos airport, 29.5°C at Akrotiri, 29.9°C at Larnaca airport, 30.2°C at Athalassa and 25.4°C at Prodromos. Chrystalla Papachristodoulou, an official at the Meteorological Department, told Phileleftheros that nine days in July carried yellow warnings and two carried orange warnings. She said the public’s impression that this July was among the hottest may stem from the fact that the yellow warnings were issued for seven consecutive days, with the highest temperatures recorded at the Athalassa weather station. The seven-day run of yellow warnings was followed by a four-day respite with more bearable temperatures, before a temperature of 40.5°C was recorded on July 28. Two further days followed at 39.2°C and 39.3°C, and a temperature of 40.7°C was recorded on July 31. The highest temperature recorded anywhere in Cyprus during July was 43.2°C. In the mountains, yellow warnings were issued on four days in July, with temperatures at Prodromos ranging between 31.8°C and 33°C. This July’s highest maximum temperatures by station were 43.2°C at Athalassa, 38.5°C at Polis Chrysochous, 36.6°C at Paphos airport, 36.6°C at Akrotiri, 38.2°C at Larnaca airport and 33°C at Prodromos. The lowest maximum temperatures recorded this July, by contrast, were 31°C at Paphos airport, compared with 20-22°C currently being recorded, 28.7°C at Akrotiri, 31.5°C at Larnaca airport and 22.5°C at Prodromos. For those wondering what a “normal” July temperature looks like, the average since 1968 stands at 33.4°C at Polis Chrysochous, 29.9°C at Paphos airport, 30.9°C at Akrotiri, 37.1°C at Larnaca airport and 27.9°C at Prodromos.