The weather scene in the Eastern Mediterranean is forecast to be particularly rainy from January 26 to February 20, according to the medium-term climate forecast of the Climate Watch Advisory Group of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
As stated in a relevant announcement, this period is expected to be characterized by increased rainfall compared to normal levels for the season in a large part of the eastern Mediterranean, including Cyprus.
Weekly climate analyses, in the context of the cooperation of European meteorological services, confirm an increased probability of episodes of precipitation above normal values, especially during the first fortnight of the validity period. For Cyprus, these conditions may lead to a temporary improvement in soil moisture and hydrological conditions, while locally the occurrence of heavy rainfall in short periods of time is not excluded.
Nevertheless, despite these comparatively favourable data in the short term, the hydrological reality remains particularly demanding. After an extensive and multi-year period of drought, the water reserves in the dams of Cyprus are still at very low levels and the expected rainfall is not sufficient to substantially reverse the current situation.
At the same time, climate forecasts for the eastern Mediterranean converge on the fact that the region will continue to receive reduced amounts of rainfall in the near future, intensifying the overall pressure. Under these circumstances, according to the announcement, the rational and limited use of water is not an option but a necessity. "The preservation of water as a finite and super-valuable natural resource is a joint responsibility of the state and citizens," it is emphasized.
