Amateur meteorologist predicts significant rainfall and winter weather for Cyprus

Amateur weather analyst Leonidas Leonidou has released his annual "minallagia" weather forecasts for 2026-2027 in Cyprus. Leonidou, who has spent 66 years observing atmospheric phenomena using traditional methods taught by his grandmother, predicts an wetter-than-average year, noting that the Kouris dam may potentially overflow due to the expected volume of rainfall.

Specific forecasts include moderate local rains throughout autumn, with more intense activity expected between October 15-20. The period from late November through January 10 is anticipated to be particularly rainy. According to Leonidou, the first mountain snowfalls are expected between December 27-30, with more significant snow accumulation predicted for the middle of January and February.

This forecasting method, known as "minallagia," involves observing environmental signs from early August to predict the weather for the following year. This practice reflects traditional knowledge passed down through generations before the advent of modern meteorological technology. While modern science relies on different tools, Leonidou continues this cultural tradition by integrating indicators from both the old and new calendars to synthesize his long-term regional outlook.