“November like September”: scientists warn that Cyprus is rapidly losing autumn

Climatologists warn: the abnormally warm November in Cyprus is not a coincidence but part of a long-term warming trend and a shortening of the autumn season. According to the Athalassa weather station, from the beginning of 2025 to November, 67% of the days (219 out of 328) were warmer than the climatic norm. The island’s temperature has been rising by an average of 0.4–0.6°C per decade since 1981, while autumn rains have been decreasing by 5–10 mm every ten years.

Climatologist Panos Hadjinicolaou notes that this November showed “extreme deviations” — up to +8°C above normal — and is already comparable to March in terms of warming levels: both months have become the fastest-warming in 2001–2024 compared to 1983–2000. According to him, Cyprus will increasingly experience November “like September,” with sharp temperature fluctuations and more frequent extreme values.

Former Director of the Meteorology Department Cleanthis Nicolaides predicts that by mid-century Cyprus will have a climate close to Cairo’s: frequent 40-degree peaks not only in July and August but also beyond the classic summer period. At the same time, rainfall will decrease: according to estimates, precipitation may drop by up to 20% compared to the early 20th century. Already last year, Cyprus received 1.3 billion tonnes less rainwater than the average of the previous 30 years.

Scientists warn: warming will affect public health, agriculture, biodiversity, and the economy. Special attention is given to the growing pressure on the energy system: the demand for cooling (use of air conditioners) may increase by up to 153% by the end of the century, while the need for heating will decrease by about half. Against the backdrop of intensifying drought, experts urge Cyprus to accelerate adaptation measures — from early warning systems to “smart” water management technologies and the modernization of urban environments.