August is expected to have normal temperatures, the Department of Meteorology said in its Rural Weather Bulletin issued on Wednesday regarding the seasonal forecast for the current month. As for July, the Department noted that the recorded average maximum and minimum temperatures were above normal for the season at all selected reference stations, with this July being the warmest on record for the island.

Specifically, the August Bulletin stated that the eighth month of the year is expected to have normal temperatures, with a similar situation appearing to prevail in Asia Minor, with above normal temperatures expected in Greece and the Balkans, and below normal temperatures expected in the Near and Middle East.

It is added that in relation to the expected rainfall, it is anticipated to be in the normal range in the interior, above normal for the season in the north and west, and below normal in the south and east.

With regard to the preliminary meteorological data for July, it is noted that after an initial assessment, this July is the warmest since the island's climatic data have been available and reported in the month of July, with the only exception being the mountainous areas, with all the Meteorological Department's coastal and inland reference stations being well above their respective normals by 2.5 to 3.6o C.

In terms of cumulative rainfall, it appears, from the preliminary data, that July recorded a cumulative rainfall of 3.9 mm or 163% of normal for the month, which, as indicated, demonstrates the uncertainty inherent in the seasonal model forecast.