Increased rain expected to last until end of February

Cyprus will see increased levels of rain until February 20, as part of a weather trend to be experienced across the eastern Mediterranean, the met service said on Monday.

During this period, the weekly rainfall is expected to range between 25 and 100mm, with regional variations of 10 to 55mm in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.

In Cyprus, this may lead to increased surface runoff and short intervals of locally heavy rainfall.

While the increased rain may lead to a temporary improvement in soil moisture and hydrological conditions, it is not expected to significantly ease persisting water scarcity faced by the island.

“Climate forecasts for the eastern Mediterranean agree that our region will continue to receive reduced amounts of rainfall in the future, further increasing water pressure. Under these circumstances, rational and limited use of water is not a choice but a necessity,” the met service said.

The amount of rain that fell in Cyprus between January 16 and 22 was almost 20mm more than expected for this time of year.