End of Month Reports

End of Month Reports

Warmer and Drier in January 2024

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 20.6°C 18th
Lowest Maximum 13.4°C 22nd
Highest Minimum 14.6°C 17th
Lowest Minimum 4.9°C 23rd

 

Mean Maximum 16.6°C
Mean Minimum 11.1°C
Mean 13.8°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 95% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 52% 24th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 79.1%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 57.9km/h 6th

 

Mean Wind Speed 10.8km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1034.0hPa 31st
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 999.6hPa 6th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1020.2hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During January 2024 55.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 185.2 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 25.3 mm 12th

 

Rain Days 9 days
Thunderstorm Days 1 day
Hail Days 1 day

 

Rainfall Events

06/01/2024 10.3 mm Thundery Showers with Hail
07/01/2024 3.6 mm Showers
08/01/2024 4.2 mm Showers
09/01/2024 1.5 mm Light Rain
10/01/2024 4.6 mm Showers
12/01/2024 25.3 mm Thundery Showers
16/01/2024 1.2 mm Light Rain
20/01/2024 2.0 mm Light Rain
21/01/2024 2.3 mm Light Rain
23/01/2024 0.0 mm Distant Light Rain

 

January 2024 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean January 2024 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 15.6°C 16.6°C  +1.0°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 10.1°C 11.1°C +1.0°C
Mean Temperature 12.8°C 13.8°C +1.0°C
Mean Relative Humidity 78.4% 79.1% +0.7%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1021.7hPa 1020.2hPa -1.5hPa
Total Rainfall 69.4 mm 55.0 mm -14.4 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 385.5 mm 185.2 mm -200.3 mm
Total Rain Days 14 days 9 days -5 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 4 days 1 day -3 days
Total Hail Days 2 days 1 day -1 day

 

Warmer and Drier in JANUARY 2024

Numerous showers and a thunderstorm during the first half of January made for a wet start to 2024. The year may have started with a splash, but January’s total precipitation – which amounted to 55.0 mm – did not measure up to the climate norm. The national mean was at an even lower 44.2 mm. There were 9 days of rain. Thunder and hail were recorded on just one day. The 12th, the day with the heaviest rain, accounted for 25.3 mm of last month’s tally. The 174.6 mm of rainfall measured since September 1st amount to just 48% of the climate norm.

Apart from being drier than the climate norm, the month was also a full degree warmer than expected. Averaging at 13.8°C, the air temperature for the month surpassed the climate norm by 13.8°C. The warmest air temperature was registered on the 18th, when thermometers hit 20.6°C. The month’s coldest temperature was measured in the early hours of the 23rd, with a 5.2°C minimum.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in January 2024 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 55.0 mm (185.2 mm)

Victoria: 73.6 mm (199.6 mm)

Xewkija: 40.0 mm (123.8 mm)

Nadur: 65.3 mm (206.0 mm)

Marsalforn: 47.6 mm (139.4 mm)

Mellieħa: 41.0 mm (142.6 mm)

Buġibba: 42.0 mm (175.6 mm)

Mġarr: 32.2 mm (169.7 mm)

Naxxar: 46.1 mm (198.2 mm)

Mosta: 43.9 mm (193.9 mm)

Dingli: 24.5 mm (180.1 mm)

Msida: 53.8 mm (195.4 mm)

Valletta: 40.3 mm (144.4 mm)

Imqabba: 33.9 mm (192.9 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 36.6 mm (172.2 mm)

Sliema: 40.2 mm (174.6 mm)

Fgura: 35.2 mm (175.1 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 44.2 mm (174.6 mm)

End of Month Reports

Warmer and Drier in December 2023

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 22.8°C 2nd
Lowest Maximum 15.6°C 18th
Highest Minimum 19.8°C 1st
Lowest Minimum 10.3°C 29th

 

Mean Maximum 17.9°C
Mean Minimum 13.6°C
Mean 15.7°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 93% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 55% 16th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 76.7%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 53.1km/h 22nd

 

Mean Wind Speed 13.3km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1030.0hPa 18th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1003.4hPa 9th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1018.6hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During December 2023 37.2 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 130.2 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 17.6 mm 18th

 

Rain Days 14 days
Thunderstorm Days 1 day
Hail Days 1 day

 

Rainfall Events

5/12/2023 0.3 mm Light Rain
6/12/2023 0.9 mm Light Rain
7/12/2023 1.7 mm Light Rain
8/12/2023 1.3 mm Light Rain
9/12/2023 9.0 mm Showers
10/12/2023 0.3 mm Light Rain
14/12/2023 0.5 mm Light Rain
15/12/2023 1.0 mm Light Rain
16/12/2023 0.0 mm Distant Thunderstorms and Hail
17/12/2023 2.5 mm Showers
18/12/2023 17.6 mm Rainy
20/12/2023 1.0 mm Light Rain
21/12/2023 0.3 mm Light Rain
22/12/2023 0.8 mm Light Rain

 

December 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean December 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 17.1°C 17.9°C  +0.8°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 11.8°C 13.6°C +1.8°C
Mean Temperature 14.5°C 15.7°C +1.2°C
Mean Relative Humidity 79.3% 76.7% -2.6%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1018.0hPa 1018.6hPa +0.6hPa
Total Rainfall 83.3 mm 37.2 mm -46.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 320.5 mm 130.2 mm -190.3 mm
Total Rain Days 12 days 14 days +2days
Total Thunderstorm Days 3 days 1 day -2days
Total Hail Days 2 days 1 day -1day

 

Warmer and Drier in December 2023

 December 2023, the final month of the year and the first month of the meteorological winter, continued the trend of warmer and drier than average weather set by previous months.

With a mean temperature of 15.7°C, December 2023 was 1.2°C warmer than the norm. The anomaly was more pronounced with minimum temperatures. Whilst maximum temperatures were  0.8°C warmer than average, minimum temperatures exceeded the climatic norm by a staggering 1.8°C. The opening two days were the month’s warmest, with a 22.8°C maximum temperature being registered on the 2nd. The coldest temperature last month was registered in the predawn hours of the 29th, when thermometers recorded a minimum temperature of 10.3°C. Minimum temperatures exceeded the climate norm on a staggering 22 nights.

December 2023 was significantly drier than average. A meagre 37.2 mm of rain was measured by our weather station in Għarb. At 45.4 mm, the national mean was only slightly higher. This is less than half what one would expect in December. Despite this, rain was observed on a total 14 days. The vast majority of these yielded less than 1 mm each, with light rain being the most common form of precipitation in December 2023. There were three main episodes of instability. The one from the 16th through to the 18th accounted for the month’s only day to feature thunder and hail. With a total of 17.6 mm over 24 hours, the 18th was last month’s wettest day.

There were also three episodes of strong wind. These coincided with the rainy days; one at the start of the month, another halfway through the month and another just before Christmas Day. The highest gust reached Force 8 from the Northwest on the 22nd of the month.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in December 2023 (and since last December 1st):

Għarb: 37.2 mm (130.2 mm)

Victoria: 36.8 mm (126.0 mm)

Xewkija: 25.2 mm (83.8 mm)

Nadur: 39.3 mm (140.7 mm)

Marsalforn: 25.8 mm (91.8 mm)

Mellieħa: 27.4 mm (101.6 mm)

Buġibba: 47.4 mm (133.6 mm)

Mġarr: 45.9 mm (137.5 mm)

Naxxar: 57.1 mm (152.1 mm)

Mosta: 67.2 mm (150.0 mm)

Dingli: 62.6 mm (155.6 mm)

Msida: 43.7 mm (141.6 mm)

Valletta: 27.2 mm (104.1 mm)

Imqabba: 74.2 mm (159.0 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 46.6 mm (135.6 mm)

Sliema: 52.1 mm (134.4 mm)

Fgura: 56.2 mm (139.9 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 45.4 mm (130.4 mm)

End of Month Reports

Very Warm in November 2023

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 26.9°C 1st
Lowest Maximum 15.4°C 26th
Highest Minimum 20.2°C 3rd
Lowest Minimum 11.7°C 24th

 

Mean Maximum 22.2°C
Mean Minimum 17.0°C
Mean 19.6°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 93% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 39% 1st

 

Mean Relative Humidity 74.3%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 66.0km/h 25th

 

Mean Wind Speed 12.6km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction West Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1025.1hPa 19th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 996.5hPa 25th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.0hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During November 2023 86.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 93.0 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 31.3 mm 22nd

 

Rain Days 9 days
Thunderstorm Days 4 days
Hail Days 1 day

 

Rainfall Events

04/11/2023 8.1 mm Showers; Distant Thunder
11/11/2023 0.3 mm Light Rain
12/11/2023 1.2 mm Light Rain
22/11/2023 31.3 mm Thunderstorm
23/11/2023 8.8 mm Thuderstorms
24/11/2023 26.8 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
25/11/2023 2.4 mm Showers
28/11/2023 2.3 mm Showers
29/11/2023 4.8 mm Showers

 

November 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean November 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 20.8°C 22.2°C  +1.4°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 15.1°C 17.0°C +1.9°C
Mean Temperature 18.0°C 19.6°C +1.6°C
Mean Relative Humidity 78.2% 74.3% -3.9%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.3hPa 1015.0hPa -1.3hPa
Total Rainfall 94.9 mm 86.0 mm -8.9 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 237.2 mm 93.0 mm -144.2 mm
Total Rain Days 11 days 9 days -2days
Total Thunderstorm Days 5 days 4 days -1day
Total Hail Days 1 day 1 day /

 

Very Warm in November 2023

November 2023 brought very warm temperatures to the Maltese Islands. Overall, the mean temperature of 19.6°C was a staggering 1.6°C above the climate norm. This comprised a 1.9°C margin with mean minimum temperatures and an anomaly of 1.4°C with mean maximum temperatures. The first day of November was the hottest day of the month ever recorded. The mercury at our station in Għarb peaked at 26.9°C. The corresponding value at the Malta International Airport was far higher, at 29.1°C. Temperatures exceeded the climate norm on most days through the first half of the month. This was accompanied by the continuation of a shortage of rain that had gripped the Maltese Islands throughout October.

The situation took a more seasonal turn as November started winding down. Temperatures cooled down to below 20°C for the first time. The month’s coolest temperature was measured in the early hours of the 24th, at 11.7°C. Precipitation also returned to our shores at this time. The 22nd  brought with it the first widespread rainfall since springtime. With 31.3 mm on the day, it was also the month’s highest 24-hour rainfall total. The rainy spell towards the end of November quenched some of the countryside’s thirst. The 86.0 mm of rainfall measured last month fell just short of the climate mean. Almost three-quarters of that amount fell during two rainfall events. There were 9 days of rain. 4 of these were marked by thunder. Hail was registered on 1 of these.

There was one gale event. This occurred on the 25th with the passage of a violent cold front. The highest wind speed on the day measured 66.0 km/h.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in November 2023 (and since last November 1st):

Għarb: 86.0 mm (93.0 mm)

Victoria: 84.4 mm (89.2 mm)

Xewkija: 50.0 mm (58.6 mm)

Nadur: 92.0 mm (101.4 mm)

Marsalforn: 58.2 mm (66.0 mm)

Mellieħa: 52.2 mm (74.2 mm)

Buġibba: 61.3 mm (86.2 mm)

Mġarr: 70.2 mm (91.6 mm)

Naxxar: 70.2 mm (95.0 mm)

Mosta: 56.9 mm (82.8 mm)

Dingli: 80.5 mm (93.0 mm)

Msida: 53.6 mm (97.9 mm)

Valletta: 46.5 mm (76.9 mm)

Imqabba: 59.0 mm (84.8 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 62.8 mm (89.0 mm)

Sliema: 47.0 mm (82.3 mm)

Fgura: 49.4 mm (83.7 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 63.5 mm (85.0 mm)

End of Month Reports

October 2023 was Extremely Warm and the Driest in a Century

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 29.7°C 10th
Lowest Maximum 25.1°C 26th
Highest Minimum 25.2°C 20th
Lowest Minimum 16.8°C 15th

 

Mean Maximum 27.1°C
Mean Minimum 19.6°C
Mean 23.3°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 94% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 45% 10th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 79.0%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 43.5km/h 20th and 21st

 

Mean Wind Speed 7.5km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction South Southeast

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1024.4hPa 3rd and 4th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1003.4hPa 21st

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1018.0hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During October 2023 0.3 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 7.0 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 0.3 mm 19th

 

Rain Days 1 day
Thunderstorm Days 0 days
Hail Days 0 days

 

Rainfall Events

19/10/2023 0.3 mm Mist/Fog and Dew

 

 

October 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean October 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 24.8°C 27.1°C  +2.3°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 18.5°C 19.6°C +1.1°C
Mean Temperature 21.7°C 23.3°C +1.6°C
Mean Relative Humidity 77.4% 79.0% +1.6%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.8hPa 1018.0hPa +0.2hPa
Total Rainfall 86.4 mm 0.3 mm -86.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 142.3 mm 7.0 mm -135.3 mm
Total Rain Days 10 days 1 day -9days
Total Thunderstorm Days 6 days 0 days -6days
Total Hail Days 1 day 0 days -1day

 

October 2023 was Extremely Warm and Driest in a Century

The second month of meteorological autumn, October 2023, was the warmest in decades and the driest in a century.

The overall mean temperature of 23.3°C registered by  our weather station, was a staggering 1.6°C warmer than the climate norm. The mean maximum temperature of 27.1°C exceeded the climate norm by 2.3°C! The mean minimum temperature of 19.6°C was 1.1°C warmer than in a typical October. With a maximum temperature of 29.7°C, the warmest day last October was the 10th. A spell of very warm temperatures was also recorded from the 18th till the 21st. Temperature values at the MetOffice in Malta International Airport were warm enough to be classified as a heatwave. The night from the 19th through to the 20th broke the record for the warmest October night on record. The minimum temperature that night was at a summery 25.2°C.

There was only one rainy episode of instability last month. This was on the 1st and brought a localized shower to parts of central Malta. Dew produced some measurable precipitation on a number of nights in the second half of October. Total rainfall at our weather station stood at 0.3 mm. This was a trace compared to the 86.4 mm expected in a typical October. October is normally the third wettest month of the year.

October 2023 was also marked by a lack of wind. There was also one episode of strong winds. This spanned the 20th and 21st with a very warm Southerly wind. The highest wind gust was registered at 45.6km/h. The mean wind speed last month was of 7.5km/h. Southerly winds were by far the predominant wind directions last month, blowing on more than half of all the days.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in October 2023 (and since last October 1st):

Għarb: 0.3 mm (7.0 mm)

Victoria: 0.0 mm (4.8 mm)

Xewkija: 0.0 mm (8.6 mm)

Nadur: 0.0 mm (9.4 mm)

Marsalforn: 0.0 mm (7.8 mm)

Mellieħa: 0.0 mm (22.0 mm)

Buġibba: 0.0 mm (24.9 mm)

Mġarr: 0.0 mm (21.4 mm)

Naxxar: 0.0 mm (24.8 mm)

Mosta: 0.3 mm (25.9 mm)

Dingli: 0.0 mm (12.5 mm)

Msida: 0.0 mm (44.3 mm)

Valletta: 0.0 mm (30.4 mm)

Imqabba: 0.3 mm (25.8 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 1.0 mm (26.2 mm)

Sliema: 0.0 mm (35.3 mm)

Fgura: 0.0 mm (34.3 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 0.1 mm (21.5 mm)

End of Month Reports

Drier in September 2023

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 31.4°C 19th
Lowest Maximum 25.5°C 25th
Highest Minimum 25.0°C 22nd
Lowest Minimum 18.1°C 26th

 

Mean Maximum 28.4°C
Mean Minimum 21.3°C
Mean 24.9°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 94% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 21% 17th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 75.1%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 43.5km/h 23rd

 

Mean Wind Speed 9.6km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1021.7hPa 30th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.0hPa 5th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.1hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During September 2023 6.7 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 6.7 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 3.8 mm 7th

 

Rain Days 4 days
Thunderstorm Days 2 days
Hail Days 0 days

 

September 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean September 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 28.5°C 28.4°C  -0.1°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 21.6°C 21.3°C -0.3°C
Mean Temperature 25.1°C 24.9°C -0.2°C
Mean Relative Humidity 77.4% 75.1% -2.3%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.7hPa 1016.1hPa -0.6hPa
Total Rainfall 55.9 mm 6.7 mm -49.2 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 55.9 mm 6.7 mm -49.2 mm
Total Rain Days 5 days 4 days -1day
Total Thunderstorm Days 3 days 2 days -1day
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Drier in September 2023 

September 2023, the first month of meteorological autumn, was significantly drier than the norm. Temperatures were marginally below average for the time of year.

The mean temperature of 24.9°C measured by  our weather station in Għarb, was 0.2°C cooler than the climate norm. This comprised a mean maximum temperature of 28.4°C and a mean minimum temperature of 21.3°C which were 0.1°C and 0.3°C below the norm respectively. The month’s hottest day was the 19th. The mercury soared to 31.4°C on the day. The day was part of a week of above-average temperatures. This heat spell didn’t qualify to become a heat wave. The coolest temperature last month was measured at 18.1°C in the early hours of the 28th.

There were two distinct episodes of instability during September 2023. The first was the one associated with Storm ‘Daniel’ from the 5th through to the 9th whilst the next was on the 25th and 26th. Both largely affected Malta, leaving Gozo almost completely dry. The national mean for the month of September stood at 21.4 mm, significantly lower than the climate norm of 55.9 mm. Mist or fog patches along with dew were observed on a number of mornings.

There were two main windy episodes. Both corresponded with the only two unstable zones that yielded precipitation. The highest wind gust was measured at 43.5km/h (Force 6) from a Northwesterly direction on the 23rd.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in September 2023 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 6.7 mm (6.7 mm)

Victoria: 4.8 mm (4.8 mm)

Xewkija: 8.6 mm (8.6 mm)

Nadur: 9.4 mm (9.4 mm)

Marsalforn: 7.8 mm (7.8 mm)

Mellieħa: 22.0 mm (22.0 mm)

Buġibba: 24.9 mm (24.9 mm)

Mġarr: 21.4 mm (21.4 mm)

Naxxar: 24.8 mm (24.8 mm)

Mosta: 25.6 mm (25.6 mm)

Dingli: 12.5 mm (12.5 mm)

Msida: 44.3 mm (44.3 mm)

Valletta: 30.4 mm (30.4 mm)

Imqabba: 25.5 mm (25.5 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 25.2 mm (25.2 mm)

Sliema: 35.3 mm (35.3 mm)

Fgura: 34.3 mm (34.3 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 21.4 mm (21.4 mm)

End of Month Reports

Relief in August 2023

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 32.9°C 23rd
Lowest Maximum 26.6°C 7th
Highest Minimum 25.3°C 26th
Lowest Minimum 19.2°C 9th

 

Mean Maximum 30.0°C
Mean Minimum 22.8°C
Mean 26.4°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 95% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 41% 24th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 76.1%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 49.9km/h 5th

 

Mean Wind Speed 9.7km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1020.5hPa 11th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.7hPa 4th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.6hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During August 2023 9.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 585.7 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 9.1 mm 21st

 

Rain Days 1 day
Thunderstorm Days 2 days
Hail Days 0 days

 

August 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean August 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 31.8°C 30.0°C  -1.8°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 23.3°C 22.8°C -0.5°C
Mean Temperature 27.6°C 26.4°C -1.2°C
Mean Relative Humidity 73.3% 76.1% +2.8%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.1hPa 1014.6hPa +0.5hPa
Total Rainfall 10.9 mm 9.1 mm -1.8 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 531.4 mm 585.7 mm +54.3 mm
Total Rain Days 1 day 1 day /
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 2 days +1 day
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Relief in August 2023

 

After a record-breaking 10-day heat wave in July, August 2023 proved a breath of fresh air for the Maltese Islands. With a mean temperature of 26.4°C at our weather station in Għarb, last month was 1.2°C cooler than the climate norm. The mean maximum temperature of 30.0°C was a staggering 1.8°C below the norm. The mean minimum temperature of 22.8°C, on the other hand, was 0.5°C below the average. The maximum temperature last month peaked at 32.9°C on the 23rd. Elsewhere in the Maltese Islands, the hottest days over the course of last August registered a maximum temperature of ‘only’ 35°C, a far cry from what these values normally stand at in a normal August. Maximum temperatures failed to exceed the 30°C mark on half of all days last month. There were also two nights where the minimum temperature dropped to below 20°C. Not all was perfect, however. Values of relative humidity were higher than the norm, particularly after the thunderstorm on the 21st. This made the air feel rather clammy and uncomfortable at times.

August rain is not unheard of across the Maltese Islands, particularly as the month nears its end. August 2023 was characterised by two separate rainfall events. There were two separate isolated thunderstorms on the 21st. One struck Gozo in the predawn hours. Another formed over central Malta in the daylight hours. 9.1 mm of rain were measured by our rain gauge in Għarb on the day. Whilst this was to be the only day with rain across Gozo, another stronger thunderstorm struck Malta on the month’s final day. August went out with a bang for some localities, particularly Mosta, where over 40 mm of rain were measured.

There were two outbreaks of strong wind, one towards the beginning and another towards the end. The highest wind gust was recorded on the 5th, and measured at 49.9 km/h (almost Force 7) from a Northwesterly direction.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in August 2023 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 9.1 mm (585.7 mm)

Victoria: 6.1 mm (514.3 mm)

Xewkija: 4.6 mm (509.8 mm)

Nadur: 2.3 mm (508.1 mm)

Marsalforn: 1.5 mm (534.9 mm)

Mellieħa: 17.8 mm (490.9 mm)

Buġibba: 18.3 mm (570.0 mm)

Mġarr: 37.5 mm (546.8 mm)

Naxxar: 37.4 mm (687.1 mm)

Mosta: 45.4 mm (662.4 mm)

Dingli: 7.6 mm (544.8 mm)

Msida: 14.3 mm (719.1 mm)

Valletta: 7.3 mm (535.8 mm)

Imqabba: 8.6 mm (596.4 mm)

Żabbar: 8.7 mm (591.9 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 7.6 mm (493.9 mm)

Sliema: 11.2 (687.5 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 14.4 mm (575.3 mm)

End of Month Reports

Sweltering in July 2023

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 39.8°C 24th
Lowest Maximum 26.8°C 3rd
Highest Minimum 28.5°C 25th
Lowest Minimum 19.8°C 14th

 

Mean Maximum 32.9°C
Mean Minimum 23.4°C
Mean 28.2°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 94% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 13% 21st

 

Mean Relative Humidity 68.9%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 54.7km/h 26th

 

Mean Wind Speed 8.5km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction South

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1020.2hPa 8th and 10th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1009.8hPa 25th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.1hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During July 2023 0.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 576.6 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 0.0 mm /

 

Rain Days 0 days
Thunderstorm Days 0 days
Hail Days 0 days

 

July 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean July 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 31.5°C 32.9°C  +1.4°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 22.4°C 23.4°C +1.0°C
Mean Temperature 27.0°C 28.2°C +1.2°C
Mean Relative Humidity 70.6% 68.9% -1.7%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.6hPa 1016.1hPa +1.5hPa
Total Rainfall 0.2 mm 0.0 mm -0.2 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 520.5 mm 576.6 mm +56.1 mm
Total Rain Days 0 days 0 days /
Total Thunderstorm Days 0 days 0 days /
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Sweltering in July 2023

 

The first few days of July 2023 continued where June left off. It didn’t take long for this state of affairs to change, however.

The mean temperature of 28.2°C, registered at our weather station in Għarb, exceeded the norm by 1.2°C. The mean maximum temperature of 32.9°C surpassed the norm by 1.4°C. The mean minimum temperature of 23.4°C, on the other hand, stood a full 1°C above the norm. Being the smaller island and under a stronger moderating effect of the sea, Gozo was spared the worst of the heat. Temperature values measured in Malta painted a far more worrying picture. Mean temperatures there were overall a staggering 3.5°C over the climate average. This made it officially the hottest July on record.

Using the national criteria for a heatwave, we conclude that the Maltese Islands experienced one heatwave last month. Lasting from 16th July through to 25th July (both days included), it proved to be record-breaking too. Whilst the temperature peaked at 39.8°C across Gozo, the maximum temperature across central Malta spiked to 42.7°C on the 24th. This was the joint hottest temperature measured during July along with the record set back on 9th July 1988. A deeper look into readings from central Malta show how the air temperature exceeded 40°C on a record-breaking six consecutive days. These are 41.0°C on the 20th, 40.2°C on the 21st, 41.1°C on the 22nd, 42.3°C on the 23rd, 42.7°C on the 24th and 40.0°C on the 25th. July’s long-lasting heat wave also broke the record for the warmest night. The minimum temperature on the night between the 24th and 25th remained at a hot 30.6°C at the airport. The value in Għarb on the night was of 28.5°C.

July 2023 also lived up to its expectation of being a completely dry month. No rain made it to the Maltese Islands throughout. Some mist or fog patches were observed prior to and during the heat wave.

The wind only reached Force 6 or stronger on two days, one at the beginning and the other towards the end. The highest wind gusts, at 54.7km/h (Force 7), was recorded on the 26th.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in July 2023 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 0.0 mm (576.6 mm)

Victoria: 0.0 mm (508.2 mm)

Xewkija: 0.0 mm (505.2 mm)

Nadur: 0.0 mm (505.8 mm)

Marsalforn: 0.0 mm (533.4 mm)

Mellieħa: 0.0 mm (473.1 mm)

Buġibba: 0.0 mm (551.7 mm)

Mġarr: 0.0 mm (509.3 mm)

Naxxar: 0.0 mm (649.7 mm)

Mosta: 0.0 mm (617.0 mm)

Dingli: 0.0 mm (537.2 mm)

Msida: 0.0 mm (704.8 mm)

Valletta: 0.0 mm (528.5 mm)

Imqabba: 0.0 mm (587.8 mm)

Żabbar: 0.0 mm (583.2 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 0.0 mm (486.3 mm)

Sliema: 0.0 (676.3 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 0.0 mm (560.8 mm)

End of Month Reports

Significantly Cooler in June 2023

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 31.9°C 21st
Lowest Maximum 22.2°C 6th
Highest Minimum 23.7°C 23rd
Lowest Minimum 16.0°C 3rd

 

Mean Maximum 26.6°C
Mean Minimum 19.7°C
Mean 23.2°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 95% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 30% 21st

 

Mean Relative Humidity 79.0%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 45.1km/h 5th

 

Mean Wind Speed 9.7km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1020.5hPa 5th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.6hPa 14th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.8hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During June 2023 5.8 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 576.6 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 2.4 mm 6th

 

Rain Days 4 days
Thunderstorm Days 2 days
Hail Days 0 days

 

Rainfall Events

02/06/2023 Distant Showers
05/06/2023 1.8 Thunderstorm
06/06/2023 2.4 Thunderstorm
10/06/2023 1.3 Showers
11/06/2023 0.3 Light Rain
19/06/2023 Fog
30/06/2023 Fog

 

June 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean June 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 28.5°C 26.6°C  -1.9°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 19.8°C 19.7°C -0.1°C
Mean Temperature 24.2°C 23.2°C -1.0°C
Mean Relative Humidity 69.0% 79.0% +10.0%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.1hPa 1014.8hPa -0.3hPa
Total Rainfall 4.0 mm 5.8 mm +1.8 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 520.3 mm 576.6 mm +56.3 mm
Total Rain Days 1 day 4 days +3 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 2 days +1 day
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Significantly Cooler in June 2023

 

An overall unstable June with air temperatures that were cooler than the norm and more rain than average kicked off the meteorological summer on the Maltese Islands.

Throughout June, the air temperature ranged from a 16.0°C minimum on the 3rd to a 31.9°C maximum on the 21st. Localities across central Malta recorded higher temperature values on that day. Last month’s mean minimum temperature of 19.7°C was just a fraction of a degree cooler than the norm. The anomaly in mean maximum temperatures was steeper, with the 26.6°C value for June 2023 falling a staggering 1.9°C below the climate norm. June 2023 was a breath of fresh air from the previous two record-breaking Junes.

June’s 5.8 mm of precipitation spilled over the climate norm by almost 2 mm. Some localities were even wetter. Rain fell on four days. Two of these were accompanied by thunder. All wet days occurred during a particularly unstable first half of the month. The unstable start to the month took many by surprise, but meteorological records show that a wet start to summer is not that uncommon. It was still, however, the first June in four years to register any rain. The meteorological situation stabilized somewhat in the final two weeks of the month, with the showery weather giving way to longer hours of sunshine.

The fact that showers persisted well into the first half of June had a noticeable impact on most meteorological parameters. The rain recharged the soil with moisture. Subsequent sunshine evaporated this, elevating levels of humidity. In fact, relative humidity was a staggering 10% higher than the norm. This prevented air temperatures from soaring to extreme levels. In fact, no heat spells were registered in June. The rain was also heavy enough to cause runoff from roads and valleys. This created an influx of colder fresh water in most bays, cooling down the sea slightly. The late showers also had a visible impact on vegetation. Wild small trees and bushes were given that much-needed boost of surface water ahead of the dry season. Mature trees will utilize this later on in the season. Wilting will take longer to occur.

 

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in June 2023 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 5.8 mm (576.6 mm)

Victoria: 6.6 mm (508.2 mm)

Xewkija: 8.4 mm (505.2 mm)

Nadur: 8.5 mm (505.8 mm)

Marsalforn: 9.2 mm (533.4 mm)

Mellieħa: 3.2 mm (473.1 mm)

Buġibba: 4.9 mm (551.7 mm)

Mġarr: 3.7 mm (509.3 mm)

Naxxar: 12.2 mm (649.7 mm)

Mosta: 11.4 mm (617.0 mm)

Dingli: 5.5 mm (537.2 mm)

Msida: 3.8 mm (704.8 mm)

Valletta: 1.4 mm (528.5 mm)

Imqabba: 5.4 mm (587.8 mm)

Żabbar: 2.2 mm (583.2 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 3.4 mm (486.3 mm)

Sliema: 2.0 (676.3 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 5.7 mm (560.8 mm)

End of Month Reports

Colder and Wetter in May 2023

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 25.7°C 27th
Lowest Maximum 17.8°C 9th
Highest Minimum 18.8°C 31st
Lowest Minimum 12.8°C 7th

 

Mean Maximum 21.9°C
Mean Minimum 16.0°C
Mean 18.9°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 95% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 45% 18th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 81.8%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 48.3km/h 19th

 

Mean Wind Speed 11.0km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction South

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1020.4hPa 5th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 998.1hPa 20th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1012.8hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During May 2023 23.6 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 570.8 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 13.8 mm 21st

 

Rain Days 6 days
Thunderstorm Days 4 days
Hail Days 0 days

 

Rainfall Events

02/05/2023 Distant Showers
07/05/2023 Fog
08/05/2023 1.0 Light Rain
09/05/2023 2.4 Light Rain
11/05/2023 Mist
12/05/2023 0.5 Light Rain
13/05/2023 1.9 Light Rain; Distant Thunder
14/05/2023 Haze
15/05/2023 4.0 Thunderstorm
16/05/2023 Distant Showers
19/05/2023 Distant Showers
20/05/2023 Haze; Widespread Dust
21/05/2023 13.8 Thunderstorm
22/05/2023 Distant Showers
25/05/2023 Distant Thunder
26/05/2023 Distant Showers
28/05/2023 Fog
29/05/2023 Fog
30/05/2023 Haze

 

May 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean May 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 23.9°C 21.9°C  -2.0°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 15.9°C 16.0°C +0.1°C
Mean Temperature 19.9°C 18.9°C -1.0°C
Mean Relative Humidity 73.3% 81.8% +8.5%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.9hPa 1012.8hPa -3.1hPa
Total Rainfall 9.4 mm 23.6 mm +14.2 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 516.3 mm 570.8 mm +54.5 mm
Total Rain Days 3 days 6 days +3 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 4 days + 3 days
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Colder and Wetter in May 2023

May 2023 maintained its cool, with the overall mean temperature being a full degree colder than the climate norm. The mean maximum temperature over the course of last month was a staggering 2.0°C below the mean. In fact, the mean maximum temperature of 23.9°C was reached or exceeded on only 6 days out of the 31 in May. Mean minimum temperatures, on the other hand, were more conforming with the value for a typical May. They exceeded the mean by a fraction of a degree. Unseasonal anticyclones persisted over the British Isles and Scandinavia throughout the month, deflecting zones of instability towards our region of the Mediterranean. This instability brought with it frequent blasts of colder air from the north, allowing temperatures to remain colder than average throughout, especially during daylight hours.

The total rainfall measured at our weather station in Għarb stood at 23.6 mm, or more than double the mean for this time of year. The number of days with rain and thunderstorms at our weather station, at 6 and 4 respectively, were also greater than the norm. Rain was also recorded in other localities on an additional 6 days, raising the total number of days with at least one shower somewhere around the Maltese Islands to 12. This observation is also the result of prevailing anticyclones over northern Europe.

A number of windy days dotted May. Winds were significantly stronger than the average for May. The wind reached Force 6 or higher on 11 days. This was a consequence of frequent low pressure systems of north African origin. The wind blew mainly from the Southeast quadrant on the blustery days. In fact, the number of days characterized by airborne fine desert sand throughout the month were numerous. The strongest wind gust, registered on the 19th, was of ‘only’ 48.3 km/h.

An impressive 7 low pressure systems traversed the central Mediterranean over the course of May 2023. This is reflected in the mean atmospheric pressure reading of 1012.8hPa. This value is just over 3hPa below the historical mean. The reading dropped to below 1000hPa on two separate occasions. The lowest, on the 20th, was registered at 998.1hPa.

 

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in May 2023 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 23.6 mm (570.8 mm)

Victoria: 18.1 mm (501.6 mm)

Xewkija: 19.0 mm (496.8 mm)

Nadur: 29.2 mm (497.3 mm)

Marsalforn: 29.5 mm (494.7 mm)

Mellieħa: 27.8 mm (524.2 mm)

Buġibba: 24.2 mm (469.9 mm)

Mġarr: 24.6 mm (546.8 mm)

Naxxar: 20.8 mm (505.6 mm)

Mosta: 22.3 mm (605.6 mm)

Dingli: 24.0 mm (531.7 mm)

Msida: 17.3 mm (701.0 mm)

Valletta: 28.3 mm (527.1 mm)

Imqabba: 21.7 mm (582.4 mm)

Żabbar: 19.6 mm (581.0 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 17.4 mm (482.9 mm)

Sliema: 26.9 (647.3 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 23.2 mm (555.1 mm)

End of Month Reports

Colder and Wetter in April 2023

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 22.5°C 22nd
Lowest Maximum 15.4°C 6th
Highest Minimum 16.6°C 30th
Lowest Minimum 6.7°C 7th

 

Mean Maximum 18.7°C
Mean Minimum 12.6°C
Mean 15.7°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 94% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 39% 19th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 79.5%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 48.3km/h 3rd

 

Mean Wind Speed 12.3km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction West Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1023.4hPa 28th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 999.0hPa 3rd

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.3hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During April 2023 29.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 547.2 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 15.8 mm 2nd

 

Rain Days 4 days
Thunderstorm Days 1 day
Hail Days 0 days

 

Rainfall Events

02/04/2023 15.8 mm P.M. Rainy
03/04/2023 4.2 mm A.M. Showers
05/04/2023 0.3 mm Light Rain; Distant Thunder
16/04/2023 8.8 mm Rainy

 

April 2023 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean April 2023 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 19.8°C 18.7°C  -1.1°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 13.0°C 12.6°C -0.4°C
Mean Temperature 16.4°C 15.7°C -0.7°C
Mean Relative Humidity 76.7% 79.5% +2.8%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.3hPa 1014.3hPa -2.0hPa
Total Rainfall 16.6 mm 29.1 mm +12.5 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 506.9 mm 547.2 mm +40.3 mm
Total Rain Days 6 days 4 days -2 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 1 day /
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Colder and Wetter in April 2023

Stormy weather ushered in April, the second month of meteorological spring. The 2nd day of the month accounted for the highest value of precipitation in a day. A period of steady rainfall produced 15.8 mm of rainfall on the day. Another two days of rain followed that same week, with the 5th also being the only day of the month with thunder. There was only one day with rain in the rest of the month. Despite the number of rainy days being less than the norm, the total rainfall measured over the course of April 2023 stood at 29.1 mm, 75% more than what one would normally anticipate.

It was also a colder than average month. The mean temperature of 15.7°C was 0.7°C cooler than the climate norm. The difference from the mean was by far more prominent in the mean maximum temperatures. The mean maximum temperature of 18.7°C was just over a degree cooler. Much of April kept locals guessing when the first taste of spring would be felt. In fact, the minimum temperature in the early hours of the 7th dipped to a chilly 6.7°C. The final week and a half of the month brought with it some noticeably warmer temperatures, however, with the 20th accounting for April 2023’s warmest maximum temperature of 22.5°C.

No gale events were recorded last month. The highest wind gust registered at 52km/h (Force 7) from a north-westerly direction. This was after the passage of a cold front on the 3rd. The wind reached Force 6 on only three other occasions in the following three weeks, culminating in a significantly calm month overall.

 

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in April 2023 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 29.1 mm (547.2 mm)

Victoria: 24.7 mm (483.5 mm)

Xewkija: 25.6 mm (478.4 mm)

Nadur: 23.1 mm (470.1 mm)

Marsalforn: 20.9 mm (494.7 mm)

Mellieħa: 24.4 mm (442.1 mm)

Buġibba: 23.4 mm (522.4 mm)

Mġarr: 33.2 mm (481.0 mm)

Naxxar: 27.7 mm (616.7 mm)

Mosta: 29.4 mm (591.8 mm)

Dingli: 31.9 mm (507.7 mm)

Msida: 24.4 mm (683.7 mm)

Valletta: 17.2 mm (498.8 mm)

Imqabba: 30.0 mm (560.7 mm)

Żabbar: 23.3 mm (561.4 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 24.3 mm (465.5 mm)

Sliema: 24.8 (647.4 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 25.7 mm (532.4 mm)