Despite the heavy rainfall recorded across the island in recent days, the situation at Cyprus’s dams remains disappointing. Water reserves have shown no change, while storage levels are significantly lower compared with the same period last year. Although the rainfall helped replenish the soil, no further severe weather is expected.

Water reserves at the dams remain at 9.5%, a level that was recorded well before the arrival of the “Byron” weather system on the island.

Speaking to OffsiteNews, Yianna Oikonomidou, Senior Executive Engineer at the Water Development Department, explained that despite the notable rainfall associated with the “Byron” system, it ultimately did not prove particularly beneficial for the dams.

She noted that the rainfall was short-lived and localised, resulting in limited and momentary inflows.

More specifically, Ms Oikonomidou stated that recent rainfall ranged between 40 and 100 millimetres, whereas approximately 200 millimetres are required for substantial inflows into the dams.

She added that rainfall must occur when the ground is already saturated. “The rain was beneficial in quenching the land, but it was not sufficient to generate water flow into rivers and, by extension, into the dams,” Ms Oikonomidou said.

It is also noted that dam water levels this year are significantly lower compared with the same period in 2024, when storage stood at 25.4%.

Ms Oikonomidou concluded by stressing that water conservation by the public is crucial under the current conditions.

No significant rainfall is expected in the coming days, with isolated showers forecast only in mountainous areas.

According to Michalis Mouskos, Senior Meteorological Officer, who spoke to OffsiteNews, the weather over the weekend will be mostly sunny. On Sunday, locally increased cloud cover is expected, which may result in isolated afternoon showers in mountainous regions.

“The coming days are not particularly encouraging. No widespread rainfall like that brought by Storm Byron is expected, as we move into much milder weather conditions,” he said.

The “Byron” system contributed rainfall equivalent to 64% of the average for December, while November closed at a significantly lower 42%.