Cyprus’ dams have recorded record inflows for May, with water reserves continuing to strengthen unusually late in spring, offering a further boost to the island’s water supplies. According to KitasWeather, inflows over the past three days reached 1.046 million cubic metres of water, while from October 1 to Monday, May 18, total inflows stood at 107.394 million cubic metres.
Overall dam capacity rose to 41.6% on Monday, up from 41.4% on Friday, May 15. On the corresponding day last year, dam capacity stood at 22.3%. Although total inflows have eased in recent days, they remain unusually high for mid-to-late May, with the latest three-day total slightly exceeding 1 million cubic metres.
KitasWeather said inflows are expected to continue declining gradually, although they should remain elevated for the time of year. Further localised rainfall expected in the coming period could also lead to temporary increases in inflows at dams whose catchment areas are affected by the showers.
So far this month, total May inflows have reached 9.302 million cubic metres, making May 2026 the strongest May for dam inflows since major dams were built and systematic records began in 1987-1988. The previous May record was set in 2019, when inflows reached 8.869 million cubic metres.
KitasWeather noted, however, that in some previous years actual inflows may have been higher than recorded, as overflows at several large dams meant that not all incoming water was measured.
The continued increase in dam capacity at the end of spring is particularly significant, as such a trend is rare this late in the season. By comparison, last year dam levels began falling from mid-January. KitasWeather said dam capacity is expected to continue rising slowly until at least the end of the month.
