**July ‘Not a Record Month’ for Temperatures Despite Heatwave**
July 2023 has been characterized by a notable heatwave in Cyprus, with temperatures surpassing 43°C on several occasions in Nicosia. However, according to the Meteorological Department, the month did not set any temperature records.
In a statement to the Cyprus Mail, officials indicated that while there were 11 days in July when temperatures exceeded 43°C in the capital, the overall temperature trends for the month were moderate. The highest temperature recorded was 43.2°C at the Athalassa station on July 23. Despite these spikes, the average temperature for the month at this station was reported at 38.6°C.
The weather patterns varied across different regions of Cyprus. Polis Chrysochous recorded the second highest average temperature at 34.6°C, with a peak of 38.5°C also occurring on July 23. Larnaca Airport station followed closely, achieving an average temperature of 34°C and a maximum of 38.2°C on July 30.
In contrast, the highest minimum temperature was noted in Prodromos, where the maximum reached 21.7°C and the minimum dipped to 12.9°C, resulting in an average of 18.2°C for the month. Polis Chrysochous had a slightly higher minimum average temperature of 22.8°C, with recorded extremes of 25.3°C and 20.4°C.
The data from various weather stations indicate that the stations in Larnaca and Athalassa experienced their ninth highest mean maximum temperatures since records began in 1976 and 1983, respectively. Meanwhile, Prodromos recorded its 27th highest mean maximum temperature since 1959, reaching a peak of 28.2°C.
Overall, while July saw significant heat, it did not break any historical temperature records, reflecting a complex climate pattern that continues to evolve in Cyprus. The Meteorological Department's analysis provides a clearer picture of the temperature trends, emphasizing that while heatwaves can be intense, they do not always equate to record-breaking months.