Category: Cyprus News Agency

A yellow warning for strong to near gale winds was issued by the Meteorology Service for New Year’s Day.

According to the warning, between 9am and 6pm on January 1, strong to near gale locally, near gale westerly to northwesterly winds force 6 to 7 Beaufort, locally 7 Beaufort, are expected to affect the island and mainly the southwest, the west, the north areas and inland, while gale wind gusts force 8 Beaufort are also likely.

Weather Temperature for Cyprus

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 31/12/2025

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Highest

Lowest

Nicosia (Athalassa)

16 (15.5)

9 (8.9)

63

Larnaka Airport

20 (19.6)

13 (13)

63

Limassol (New Port)

19 (18.7)

11 (11)

85

Limassol (Municipal Garden)

18,6

12,7

Pafos Airport

19 (19.3)

15 (14.9)

61

Frenaros

19 (18.6)

12 (11.7)

80

Prodromos

5 (5.2)

2 (2.1)

100

Polis Pafos

18 (17.6)

12 (12.3)

69

A Cypriot antiquity was handed over to the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Paris on December 19, the Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture said here on Wednesday.

The antiquity had been identified in an online auction by Archaeological Officers of the Antiquities Department responsible for monitoring the illegal trafficking of Cypriot antiquities on the internet and was withdrawn following consultation with the auction house, an official press release says.

According to the Department, the antiquity consists of a Stemmed bowl (kylix) of Bichrome ??? ware of the Cypro-Geometric III period (900-750 B.C.) with a pair of opposed loop handles and decorated with black paint, while groups of vertical lines frame a central swastika on each side of central panel and there is banded decoration on the interior.

The Department of Antiquities would like to express its gratitude to Nabécor Enchères and the donors for their voluntary return of the antiquity to its country of origin, as well as to the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Paris for their cooperation and the coordination of the repatriation procedures, the statement concludes.

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1005hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is affecting the area. The weather tonight and the morning will be mainly cloudy at times with isolated showers and isolated thunderstorm mainly over the western and northern parts. WARNING NR:16 VALID FROM 310915(L.T) TO 311800(L.T) FRESH TO STRONG AND LOCALLY STRONG TO NEAR GALE SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY WINDS FORCE 5 TO 6 BEAUFORT AND LOCALLY 6 TO 7 BEAUFORT ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AFFECTING THE COASTAL AREAS. THE STATE OF THE SEA OVER THE WINDWARD AREAS WILL BE MODERATE TO ROUGH AND LOCALLY ROUGH.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 20°C

Warnings: WARNING NR:16 VALID FROM 310915(L.T) TO 311800(L.T)

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Southwest to West 5 to 6, later West to Northwest 5

Moderate to Rough

Morning

Southwest to West 5 to 6, gradually 6 to 7

Moderate to Rough, gradually Rough

Afternoon

West to Northwest 6 to 7, locally at first 7

Rough

South Coast

Night

Southwest to West 5 to 6, gradually near the coast West to Northwest 4 to 5

Moderate, gradually near the coast Slight to Moderate

Morning

Southwest to Northwest 4 to 5, later 6 to 7

Slight to Moderate, later Moderate

Afternoon

West to Northwest 6 to 7, later near the coast 4 to 5

Moderate to Rough, later near the coast Slight to Moderate

East Coast

Night

Southwest to West 4 to 5, gradually near the coast West to Northwest 4

Slight to Moderate

Morning

Southwest to West 5 to 6, gradually locally 6 to 7

Slight to Moderate, gradually locally Moderate

Afternoon

West to Northwest 6 to 7, later 5 to 6

Moderate, later Slight to Moderate

North Coast

Night

Southwest to Northwest 5 to 6, gradually Southwest to Northwest 5

Moderate to Rough

Morning

Southwest to West 5 to 6, soon 6 to 7

Moderate to Rough, soon Rough

Afternoon

West to Northwest 6 to 7, later Northwest 5 to 6

Rough

A yellow warning for rain, isolated thunderstorms and strong winds, issued by the Department of Meteorology on Tuesday, is valid from 2200 on Tuesday till 2200 on Wednesday.

“A combination of rain, isolated thunderstorms and strong to near gale winds force 6 to 7 Beaufort are expected to affect the island and mainly the coastal areas and the mountainous areas,” the Department said, adding that “in thunderstorm hail is likely.”

“Total precipitation is expected to locally exceed the 55 millimetres per 24 hours,” it concluded.

On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its currency, marking an important milestone for the country, for the history of the euro, and for the EU as a whole. This follows a period of intensive preparation and effort by Bulgaria to meet all the necessary requirements.

The euro will deliver practical benefits to Bulgarian citizens and businesses. It will make travelling and living abroad easier, boost the transparency and competitiveness of markets, and facilitate trade. Euro banknotes and coins will also become a tangible symbol for all Bulgarians of the freedom, convenience and opportunities that the EU makes possible for its citizens.

The Commission has fully supported Bulgaria in the process of joining the euro. With Bulgaria’s accession, 21 EU Member States and more than 357 million EU citizens will share the EU’s common currency. Public support for the euro in the EU and euro area remains very strong, with broad majorities of EU citizens believing the euro is a good thing for the EU as a whole, and for their own country, as shown by the latest Eurobarometer.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: ‘Bulgaria joins the euro area, one of the European Union’s greatest achievements. This milestone reflects years of hard work and commitment, overcoming challenges. The euro will bring benefits for the Bulgarian people making payments and travel easier. It will bring new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses, allowing them to seize better the advantages of our common single market. It will further strengthen Bulgaria’s voice in Europe. This step is good for Bulgaria, and it strengthens Europe as a whole. It makes our economy more resilient and competitive globally. Congratulations, Bulgaria! You can be proud of what you achieved.’

Introducing euro cash

From 1 January 2026, the euro will gradually replace the lev as Bulgaria’s currency. In line with a consistent record of exchange-rate stability, the lev will be exchanged at a conversion rate of 1.95583 lev per pound 1. The two currencies will be used alongside each other for a period of one month. When payments are made in lev, change will be given in euro. This will allow for a progressive withdrawal of the lev from circulation.

The dual display of prices in lev and euro became compulsory on 8 August 2025 and will apply until 8 August 2026. In order to protect consumers and address their concerns about unjustified price increases during the changeover period, Bulgaria relies on the strict application of consumer protection law and information campaigns. The prices of 101 frequently purchased products have been monitored daily and published on a dedicated website during the changeover by the Consumer Protection Commission, to provide information to the public and an incentive to businesses not to unjustifiably increase prices during the changeover.

Commercial banks have received euro banknotes and coins in advance from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) and have in turn supplied euro cash to shops and other businesses. Lev banknotes and coins can be exchanged at the BNB, commercial banks, and any post office located in rural areas where there is no commercial bank. Exchanges at the BNB are free of charge and unlimited in time. Exchanges at banks and the post offices are free of charge for the first six months. Banks and post offices may charge for the exchange as of 1 July 2026.

As of 1 January, 96% of automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Bulgaria will be distributing euro banknotes, and the remainder will follow as soon as possible (within two weeks).

Background

In its 2025 Convergence Report, the Commission concluded that Bulgaria met the criteria for adopting the euro. This assessment was supported by the European Central Bank’s own Convergence Report. In July 2025, EU Finance Ministers took the formal decision that opened the way for Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro.

The Bulgarian authorities have undertaken extensive preparations for the country’s entry into the euro area by implementing their national changeover plan, which sets out all the details for the organisation of the introduction of the euro and the withdrawal of the lev.

The core principle of Bulgaria’s national changeover plan is consumer protection. Mechanisms to ensure a safe environment for consumers have been thoroughly planned under three pillars: the dual display of prices, the monitoring of prices for goods and services, and the supervision of traders and service providers.

The preparations for the changeover have been complemented by a comprehensive communication campaign by the Bulgarian authorities. The Commission and the European Central Bank have contributed to these efforts.

For more information

Questions and answers on Bulgaria’s changeover to the euro

Press Release: Bulgaria meets criteria to join the euro area on 1 January 2026

Questions and answers on the Convergence Report 2025 on Bulgaria

Quote(s)

Bulgaria joins the euro area, one of the European Union’s greatest achievements. This milestone reflects years of hard work and commitment, overcoming challenges. The euro will bring benefits for the Bulgarian people making payments and travel easier. It will bring new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses, allowing them to seize better the advantages of our common single market. It will further strengthen Bulgaria’s voice in Europe. This step is good for Bulgaria, and it strengthens Europe as a whole. It makes our economy more resilient and competitive globally. Congratulations, Bulgaria! You can be proud of what you achieved.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Congratulations to Bulgaria on adopting the euro as its currency! This marks the culmination of a long and demanding process, and the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity for Bulgaria and its people. The euro has always been much more than a currency. It brings Bulgaria ever closer to the heart of Europe and sends a clear signal to the world that our strength lies in our unity. This is a truly historic moment for Bulgaria, the euro area and the European Union as a whole.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 31/12/2025 UNTIL 0600 01/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1008hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly cloudy and at times local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected. Risk of hail in storm areas. WARNING NR:15 VALID FROM 302100(L.T) TO 310900(L.T) STRONG TO NEAR GALE LOCALLY NEAR GALE SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS FORCE 6 TO 7 BEAUFORT AND LOCALLY 7 BEAUFORT ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE COASTAL AREAS. THE STATE OF THE SEA WILL BE MODERATE TO ROUGH AND LOCALLY ROUGH.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 20°C

Warnings: WARNING NR:15 VALID FROM 302100(L.T) TO 310900(L.T)

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Southwest to West 6 to 7, locally 7 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Afternoon Southwest to West 6 to 7, gradually 5 to 6 Moderate to Rough

Night Southwest to West 5 to 6, later West to Northwest 5 Moderate to Rough

South Coast

Morning Southwest to West 6 to 7, locally 7 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Afternoon Southwest to West 6 to 7, gradually 5 to 6 Moderate to Rough

Night Southwest to West 5 to 6, gradually West to Northwest 5 Moderate to Rough

East Coast

Morning Southwest to West 5 to 6, offshore 6 to 7 Moderate, offshore Moderate to Rough

Afternoon Southwest to West 5 to 6, gradually 4 to 5 Moderate

Night Southwest to West 4 to 5, gradually West to Northwest 4 Slight to Moderate

North Coast

Morning Southwest to West 6 to 7, at times offshore 7 Moderate to Rough, at times offshore Rough

Afternoon Southwest to West 6 to 7, gradually 5 to 6 Moderate to Rough

Night Southwest to West 5 to 6, gradually West to Northwest 5 Moderate to Rough

Following Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area on 1st of January 2026, the National Central Banks (NCBs) of the euro area, including the Central Bank of Cyprus, will be exchanging specific series/denominations of Bulgarian lev banknotes, free of charge, from 2nd of January to 2nd of March 2026, based on the fixed exchange rate (1 euro = 1.95583 BGN).

The Central Bank of Cyprus said in a press release on Wednesday that the maximum amount to be exchanged is 2,000 BGN for any given person/transaction on any one day. For identification purposes, customers must present their identity card, as otherwise the exchange cannot be carried out. Coins will not be exchanged, it added.

The banknotes accepted for exchange are BGN 5 (1999, 2009 and 2020), BGN 10 (1999, 2008 and 2020), BGN 20 (1999, 2007 and 2020), BGN 50 (1999, 2006 and 2019) and BGN 100 (2003 and 2018).

The hours of service are Monday to Friday, 08:30-13:30.

December 2025 has been so far a particularly good month in terms of rainfall for Cyprus, with recurring barometric systems delivering significant amounts of rainfall over a large part of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in a press release on Wednesday.

‘In several areas, the total rainfall for the month to date is approaching or even exceeding normal levels for the season, locally improving hydrological conditions, without however substantially changing the overall picture of the water balance,’ it added.

The Department cites Tuesday, December 30, as a characteristic example, noting that the average daily rainfall reached 17.9 mm, with locally higher amounts.

Revenue from tourism reached 458,6 million euro in October 2025, recording an increase of 12.4% as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year (pound 407.9 mn).

According to the Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus, based on the results of the Passengers Survey carried out by the Statistical Service for the period of January – October 2025, revenue from tourism is estimated at 3,431.4 million euro compared to 2,983.8 million in the corresponding period of 2024, recording an increase of 15.0%.

The average expenditure per person was 852.80 euro in October 2025 compared to 888.47 euro in October 2024, recording a decrease of 4.0%.

Tourists from the United Kingdom (the largest tourist market with 31.4% of the total tourists in October 2025) spent on average 108.42 euro per day, while tourists from Israel (the second largest market during the specific month with 11.1% of the total tourists) spent on average 132.12 euro. Tourists from Germany (the third largest market with 7.8%), spent on average 111.79 euro per day.