December 2023 Becomes the Second "Hottest" on Record in Cyprus

December 2023 has become the second warmest December on record in Cyprus. The average temperature across the island was 14.5°C.

According to the Meteorological Bureau of the Republic of Cyprus, the weather in December was extremely warm and very dry. The main features of this month were severe drought and high temperatures observed across the island.

The average temperature was approximately 3°C above normal, and the average rainfall was 50.4 mm or 48% of the monthly norm.

However, unstable weather conditions prevailed on December 6-12, 16, and 21-23, with rain, local thunderstorms, hail, and snow in Troodos on those days.

There were no extreme weather events, but on December 11, areas of Nicosia and Larnaca were left without electricity due to intense storm activity.

Average daily temperatures were above or near normal throughout the month, except on December 10 in Prodromos, where the temperature was 2.3 degrees below normal.

Maximum temperatures in Athalassa exceeded 18°C every day of the month, and in Paphos and Larnaca, they also exceeded 19°C daily.

At most stations, the highest maximum temperature was recorded from December 4 to 5, and the lowest temperature was recorded from December 19 to 20 and on Christmas Eve.

Hail was recorded on December 6 (Avdellero, Oroklini), 8 (Paralimni and Deryneia), 11 (Agros, Ha-Potami, and areas of Paphos), 11-12 (Stavrovouni), 12 (Aletriko, Psevdas, Pyrga), 20 (Troodos), and 21 (Paleochori, Dymes). Snowfall occurred on December 22 (Troodos).

It is noted that meteorological observations in Cyprus began in 1961.