As a powerful heatwave grips much of Western and Central Europe, Cyprus is expected to remain close to seasonal norms, according to Andreas Chrysanthou, an official at the Meteorological Department. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Wednesday, Chrysanthou said that while the heatwave is severely affecting countries including Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and parts of southern England, Cyprus is not experiencing the same conditions.
Why Cyprus is different
Chrysanthou explained that the heat surge originates from the south, driven by warm air masses from Africa trapped near the surface by prolonged high pressure over Western Europe. Paradoxically, this same weather pattern is generating a low-pressure trough from the north over Cyprus, bringing cooler air masses to the island. "We will have a brief rise of around one to two days, but nothing extreme in our area for now," he said.
Brief rise expected Sunday and Monday
A temporary temperature increase is forecast for Sunday and Monday, though the official described it as moderate rather than extreme. Very high temperatures across Western and Central Europe are expected to persist until at least Saturday, after which the pattern is forecast to begin easing.
Mountain showers possible from Friday
The incoming low-pressure system may bring rainfall to Cyprus's mountainous areas from Friday through Sunday. Chrysanthou noted that the combination of low pressure, high temperatures and elevated humidity could generate atmospheric instability, potentially producing summer showers or thunderstorms.
No link to El Niño
Asked whether the heatwave is connected to the El Niño phenomenon, Chrysanthou said there is no direct link. The European pattern is related to pressure systems over the Atlantic Ocean, he explained, while the effects of El Niño on Europe are indirect and may only become apparent over a longer period. He did note that similar episodes could recur during the summer, pointing to the heat dome that affected Western and Central Europe in August 2025.
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA)
