With the rainfall that occurred on the first day of April and in the early morning hours of the second, the average rainfall for the free areas has reached 57% of the normal for the month, according to data from the Department of Meteorology, which states that increased rainfall conditions are expected to continue until April 14.
Specifically, according to the data, by 9am on Thursday, April 2, the average rainfall in the free areas reached 16,9 millimeters, while the average normal rainfall for April is 29,9 millimeters.
Furthermore, the average rainfall from October 1st to today reached 104% of normal, at 485,3 millimeters.
The highest percentage of coverage compared to normal for the month was recorded in Kellaki (125%), Lythrodontas (118%) and Limassol (106%), while the highest amount (47,4 millimeters) was recorded in Platania (91%).
The Department of Meteorology reports that, according to an updated medium-term climate forecast by the Climate Watch Advisory Group of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the signal for rainfall above normal levels for the season in the eastern Mediterranean region, including Cyprus, is maintained for the period up to and including April 14, 2026.
Specifically, it is reported that in the central and eastern Mediterranean, weekly positive precipitation anomalies are expected to range mainly between +10 mm and +50 mm, while locally they may exceed +75 mm. Absolute weekly precipitation totals are estimated to be mainly in the range of 25–75 mm, with locally higher amounts in exposed areas.
For Cyprus, these conditions may lead to continued increased soil moisture and surface runoff, as well as a temporary improvement in hydrological conditions. Locally, the occurrence of intense or prolonged rainfall cannot be ruled out, which may cause isolated problems in vulnerable areas.
According to the Department of Meteorology, for Cyprus, the chances of above-normal rainfall in the immediate future are generally estimated at between 70% and 90%.
Regarding the total rainfall for the week of March 24 to March 30, it is noted that Cyprus is in the range of 10-25 millimeters of rainfall. As reported by the Department of Meteorology, Cyprus has received close to 20 millimeters of rain in addition to the expected amount for this period.
Prevailing Meteorological Conditions
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The synoptic state of the atmosphere continues to be favorable for maintaining instability in the region, the Department reports. In the upper troposphere, a halo is visible extending towards the central and eastern Mediterranean, with relatively colder air masses affecting the region, an element that enhances the potential for upward movements and cloud development. At the same time, in the surface field, low pressures and frontal disturbances in the eastern Mediterranean and around Greece-Turkey maintain an environment favorable for rains and local storms.
A characteristic of the combination of dynamic parameters and high sea temperatures is the creation of successive barometric lows, which as a result bring large amounts of rain. These conditions create an increased risk of flooding in parts of the eastern Mediterranean.
Cyprus remains in the eastern periphery of this circulation, where moisture transport and local instability can produce intense episodes of rainfall. As the Department of Meteorology notes, for Cyprus, this picture translates into a continuation of the increased probability of rain episodes, which at times may acquire a locally intense or prolonged character.
As a result, further enhancement of soil moisture, continuation of surface runoff and some temporary hydrological relief are expected, without however ruling out local problems from the concentration of significant amounts of rain in a relatively short period of time, particularly in urban or vulnerable areas.
The Department of Meteorology states, however, that despite these comparatively favorable figures, the overall hydrological situation remains pressing, as water reserves are still at low levels after a prolonged period of drought. Therefore, it emphasizes that prudent water use remains essential.
