Unusual August storms cause heavy rainfall across Cyprus

Cyprus has experienced unusual and intense weather conditions throughout mid-August 2026, characterized by thermal instability that brought heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to mountainous and inland areas. While August is typically dry, the Department of Meteorology reported that some regions received up to 22 times the monthly average precipitation. Notable records include 62mm of rain in one day in Makedonitissa and 63mm in Agros. These downpours caused rivers and streams to swell, leading to localized flooding and requiring intervention from the Fire Service, which responded to numerous calls regarding fallen trees and flooded infrastructure, particularly in Nicosia.

The Department of Meteorology issued a series of yellow weather alerts effective from August 18 to August 19, warning of potential hail and rainfall intensities reaching up to 55mm per hour. Meteorologists highlighted the highly localized nature of these storms, noting that while mountainous areas experienced extreme precipitation, some coastal regions remained largely unaffected. The fire services have remained on high alert, managing both weather-related damage and wildfire risks simultaneously. The unstable air mass is expected to clear by Thursday, August 20, 2026, leading to a period of sunny weather and a significant rise in temperatures, with forecasts predicting the mercury will climb toward 40°C in the interior by the weekend.