Cyprus records significant rainfall exceeding October averages

Cyprus has experienced substantial rainfall during the first half of October, with precipitation levels reaching 157% of the normal monthly average by the morning of October 15. Data from the Meteorological Department confirms that an average of 51.2mm of rain fell between October 1 and the morning of October 15, significantly surpassing the standard monthly expectation of 32.7mm. In the 24-hour period ending at 9:00 AM on Thursday, the average rainfall was 21.3mm, though distribution was notably uneven across different regions of the island.

Local meteorological stations recorded peak intensities in areas such as Droushia (47.8mm), Prodromos (43.9mm), and Agros (43.9mm). The severe weather was accompanied by intense electrical activity, with the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellite detecting 9,711 lightning strikes on October 14, including 6,955 over land and 2,756 over the sea. Following an orange thunderstorm warning, authorities observed increased water inflow into the island's dams, providing a boost to reserves which stood at 102.7 million cubic metres. Despite this positive development for the new hydrological year, officials maintain that overall dam occupancy levels remain at a point requiring continued prudent water management.