The central Mediterranean will find itself sandwiched in between zones of low pressure over the Gulf of Genoa and a persistent ridge of high pressure over Libya for much of this week. The ridge of high pressure to our south will maintain mainly sunny to partly cloudy skies over the Maltese Islands on most days this week. The zones of low pressure over the Gulf of Genoa will be strong enough to direct successive bouts of strong winds across the central Mediterranean, however. The wind, which will alternate from the West Southwest to West Northwest, will be strong at some point on all days this week (up to Force 6 or 7). The southerly expansion of low pressure in the coming weekend may bring cloudier skies and possibly a little rain to the central Mediterranean. Although marginally cooler than of late, temperatures will still be warmer than  average throughout this week. Maximum temperatures will be average at 17°C with minimum temperatures very likely to be in the region of 12°C on most nights. Sunday 14/2 looks set to be the coolest day this week, as a result of a potential incursion of colder air from the north.