The climate in Cyprus is changing rapidly. This is felt by the inhabitants of the island, confirm observations and scientific data. It is especially anxious that since the end of the 20th century, warming in Cyprus occurs faster than on average on the planet. Meteorologists and climatologists predict that by 2050 the temperature may increase by 1.3-1.9 ° C compared with the period of 1961-1990.
The temperature in Cyprus demonstrates signs of constant increase. Along with unprecedented heat, in the next few years there will be less rain and snow. All this will gradually lead to desertification of the island.
This year, the first ten days of July will be marked by temperature at the level of seasonal norm or slightly higher. At the end of this week and the beginning of the next, a new increase in temperature is expected. Inside the country, the thermometer column will again rise to 40 ° C.
According to the director of the meteorological service of Kleantis Nikolaidis, the region of the Eastern Mediterranean is considered one of the most sensitive to climatic changes. “If we look at the forecast models of the Cyprus area after 2060, then, apparently, the climate of the island will be more like the Cairo climate. This will greatly affect the biodiversity, ”says Nikolaidis.
The World Meteorological Organization has long hit the alarm, warning about temperatures at the level of 50 ° C in the region of the Middle East.
"Tropical Nights" in Nicosia
These changes are already felt in practice. In 2024, a record number of the so -called “tropical nights” was recorded in Nicosia, when the temperature does not drop below 20 ° C. There were 23 such nights. The hot days, when the temperature exceeded 35 ° C, was 66, which is much larger than the norm. Summer becomes longer, and winter is shorter and dry. The amount of precipitation is reduced, especially in the winter months, which seriously affects water supply. Cyprus reservoirs are now filled in less than ⅕. This is one of the lowest levels over the past half a century.
Dust becomes more parallel to increase the frequency and intensity of dusty storms: sugar dust previously characteristic of spring, now increasingly reaches Cyprus even in summer. This worsens the quality of air and affects people's health.
Then it will be even hotter
Long -term climatic models show that such phenomena are not a temporary deviation, but a stable trend. Already now, Cyprus is experiencing an increase in the number of hot days, longer drying periods and a total reduction in water resources. The government is forced to expand the network of desalination attitudes in all available ways, tries to drill new wells and initiates the campaign to save water.
Due to the rapid warming of sea water in the sea, unique coral reefs die around Cyprus. We wrote about how they are trying to save them here.
