Filenews 18 April 2023 - by Despina Psillou
With the earth remaining thirsty, summer temperatures gradually appear, which prevailed on Easter celebration days. The drought of the past winter is also evident in the quantities of water in the dams, the occupancy of which is at 69%. The quantities of water stored are 21.5% less than in the same period last year, which corresponds to more than 62.4 million. cubic metres of water.
The months of the hydrological year, which usually give the largest inflows to the dams, passed by with rainwater flowing with droppers. Among them was January, which was one of the worst in the last decade in terms of the quantities of water stored.
According to data from the Water Development Department (as of 13/4/2023), the total capacity of the dams is 290 million. cubic metres. At the moment there are 200.7 million of them. m.m., which correspond to 69% of their total capacity. A year ago, occupancy was at 90.5%.
The largest inflow in this year's hydrological year has been given by February with 12.6 million. This is followed by March with 9.5 million and January with 8.2 million. A positive exception was last October with 3.9 million, which seemed the rainiest in recent years.
Kouris, the largest dam in Cyprus, currently has 73.7 million. cubic metres of water, that is, it is at 64.1% of its capacity. A year ago it was at 83.7%. The dams of the South Pipeline (Kouris, Kalavasos, Lefkara, Dipotamos, Germasogeia, Arminou, Polemidia and Achna) with a total capacity of 189.4 million cubic metres of water are at 64.5%. Last year they were at 86.4% of their capacity.
The Pafos dams (Asprokremmos, Kannaviou and Mavrokolymbos) with a capacity of 71.7 million cubic metres are at 77.6%. Last year they were almost full, at 98.8% of their capacity. The Chrysochous dams (Evretou, Argaka, Pomos, Agia Marina) with a capacity of 26.1 million cubic metres, they are at 75.1%. Last year it was at 96%. The Nicosia dams (Vyzakia, Xyliatos and Kalopanayiotis), with a capacity of 3.4 million cubic metres, they are at 94.7%. Last year it was full (100%).
However, the situation at the dams is not expected to change this week either. The area will be affected until tomorrow by weak high pressure, while at times sparse dust will be observed.
According to the Department of Meteorology, the weather today will be clear during the day with temperatures up to two degrees above normal. However, from the evening gradually there will be locally increased clouds.
This cloudiness will persist tomorrow, while it is not excluded that it will give isolated rains. On Thursday and Friday, locally increased clouds will be observed, which mainly on Friday, may also bring isolated showers. The temperature until Thursday will drop noticeably, to hover near average values for the season.
