Cyprus transitions from extreme rain to a heatwave alert

After three days of severe instability that brought record-breaking rainfall to Cyprus, the Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning for extreme heat. The rainfall, which occurred between August 17 and 20, reached 255% of the monthly average, with certain locations like Panayia Bridge and Lythrodontas recording more than 10 times the normal monthly precipitation. Authorities reported that all measuring stations exceeded their monthly averages, causing rivers and streams to overflow.

As the rainy weather system recedes, a significantly warmer air mass is moving across the island, prompting the Meteorological Service to issue a new yellow alert for Friday, August 21, 2026. This warning is in effect from 13:00 to 16:00, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 41°C in inland areas and 32°C in the higher mountains. Following the peak heat on Friday, temperatures are expected to drop slightly on Saturday and remain slightly above average through Monday. Citizens have been advised to take necessary precautions against the intense heat as the island experiences this rapid meteorological shift.