Reports

    End of Month Reports
    February 2, 20240

    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 Year Reports
    January 10, 20240

    2023: The Year of Storm Helios and Heatwave Cerberus

    Air Temperature

    Highest Maximum 39.8°C 24th July 2023
    Lowest Maximum 10.6°C 8th February 2023
    Highest Minimum 28.5°C 25th July 2023
    Lowest Minimum 4.9°C 24th January 2023

     

    Mean Maximum 22.9°C
    Mean Minimum 16.3°C
    Mean 19.6°C

     

    Relative Humidity

    Mean Relative Humidity 77.4%

     

    Atmospheric Pressure

    Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1034.0hPa 14th February 2023
    Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 996.5hPa 25th November 2023

     

    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.6hPa

     

    Wind

    Highest Gust 67.6 km/h (Force 8) 10th January 2023

     

    Mean Wind Speed 10.4 km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction West Southwest

     

    Precipitation

    Total Rainfall During 2023 409.1 mm

     

    Highest 24 Hour Total 121.1 mm 9th February 2023

     

    Rain Days 66 days
    Thunderstorm Days 26 days
    Hail Days 9 days

     

    Rainfall Events

    01/01/2023 0.3 mm Dew
    02/01/2023 0.2 mm Light Rain
    03/01/2023 0.3 mm Light Rain
    09/01/2023 2.8 mm Rain and Hail Showers
    10/01/2023 0.8 mm Rain Showers
    12/01/2023 1.8 mm Light Rain
    19/01/2023 1.3 mm Rain Showers; Distant Thunder
    20/01/2023 3.1 mm A.M. Thunderstorm with Hail
    21/01/2023 0.5 mm Light Rain
    22/01/2023 9.3 mm Showers and Thunderstorms with Hail
    24/01/2023 9.3 mm Steady Rain; Distant Thunder
    25/01/2023 0.8 mm A.M. Light Rain; Distant Thunder
    26/01/2023 9.8 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    27/01/2023 9.8 mm Thunderstorm; Rain and Hail Showers
    28/01/2023 8.3 mm Thunderstorm with Hail; Showers
    29/01/2023 0.0 mm Distant Thunder and Hail
    02/02/2023 1.1 mm Light Rain
    07/02/2023 3.0 mm Light Rain
    08/02/2023 18.7 mm P.M. Steady Rain
    09/02/2023 121.1 mm Steady Rain; Thunderstorms
    10/02/2023 2.5 mm A.M. Steady Rain; Distant Thunder and Hail
    13/02/2023 1.5 mm Light Rain
    14/02/2023 0.5 mm Light Rain
    21/02/2023 0.3 mm Dew; Fog
    22/02/2023 0.2 mm Dew; Fog
    23/02/2023 0.3 mm Dew; Fog
    24/02/2023 0.2 mm Dew; Fog
    02/03/2023 7.5 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    03/03/2023 4.1 mm Showers
    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
    02/05/2023 0.0 mm Distant Showers
    07/05/2023 0.0 mm Fog
    08/05/2023 1.0 mm Light Rain
    09/05/2023 2.4 mm Light Rain
    11/05/2023 0.0 mm Mist
    12/05/2023 0.5 mm Light Rain
    13/05/2023 1.9 mm Light Rain; Distant Thunder
    14/05/2023 0.0 mm Haze
    15/05/2023 4.0 mm Thunderstorm
    16/05/2023 0.0 mm Distant Showers
    19/05/2023 0.0 mm Distant Showers
    20/05/2023 0.0 mm Haze; Widespread Dust
    21/05/2023 13.8 mm Thunderstorm
    22/05/2023 0.0 mm Distant Showers
    25/05/2023 0.0 mm Distant Thunder
    26/05/2023 0.0 mm Distant Showers
    28/05/2023 0.0 mm Fog
    29/05/2023 0.0 mm Fog
    30/05/2023 0.0 mm Haze
    02/06/2023 0.0 mm Distant Showers
    05/06/2023 1.8 mm Thunderstorm
    06/06/2023 2.4 mm Thunderstorm
    10/06/2023 1.3 mm Showers
    11/06/2023 0.3 mm Light Rain
    19/06/2023 0.0 mm Fog
    30/06/2023 0.0 mm Fog
    21/08/2023 9.1 mm Thunderstorm
    31/08/2023 0.0 mm Distant Thunderstorm
    05/09/2023 0.5 mm Light Rain
    06/09/2023 0.0 mm Distant Rain
    07/09/2023 3.8 mm P.M. Thunderstorm
    08/09/2023 0.0 mm Distant Rain
    25/09/2023 0.5 mm Light Rain
    26/09/2023 1.9 mm Isolated Showers; Distant Thunder
    28/09/2023 0.0 mm Distant Rain
    19/10/2023 0.3 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    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
    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

     

    2023 Compared to the Climate Means

      Climate Mean 2023 Anomaly
    Mean Maximum Temperature 22.9°C 22.9°C /
    Mean Minimum Temperature 16.0°C 16.3°C +0.3°C
    Mean Temperature 19.5°C 19.6°C +0.1°C
    Mean Relative Humidity 75.7% 77.4% +1.7%
    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.5hPa 1016.6hPa +0.1hPa
    Mean Wind Speed 14.1 km/h 10.4 km/h -3.7 km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction West Northwest West Southwest -45°
    Total Rainfall 531.4 mm 409.1 mm -122.3 mm
    Total Rain Days 84 days 66 days -18days
    Total Thunderstorm Days 30 days 26 days -4days
    Total Hail Days 10 days 9 days -1day

     

    Month-by-Month Summary for 2023

    January 2023 – Warmer and Drier

    February 2023 – Colder and Wetter (REGISTERING ONE OF THE WETTEST FEBRUARY DAYS EVER)

    March 2023 – Warmer and Drier

    April 2023 – Colder and Wetter

    May 2023 – Colder and Wetter

    June 2023 – Colder and Wetter

    July 2023 – Warmer with Average Rainfall (WARMEST ON RECORD) (EQUALLED THE RECORD FOR THE WARMEST JULY DAY EVER) (REGISTERING ONE OF THE WARMEST JULY NIGHTS EVER)

    August 2023 – Colder with Average Rainfall

    September 2023 – Average Temperature and Drier

    October 2023 – Warmer and Drier (WARMEST AND DRIEST ON RECORD) (REGISTERING ONE OF THE WARMEST OCTOBER NIGHTS EVER)

    November 2023 – Warmer and Drier (AMONG THE WARMEST ON RECORD) (REGISTERING ONE OF THE WARMEST NOVEMBER DAYS EVER)

    December 2023 – Warmer and Drier (REGISTERING ONE OF THE WARMEST DECEMBER DAYS EVER)

     

    2023: The Year of Storm Helios and Heatwave Cerberus

    2023 was a year that saw long-standing temperature and precipitation records fall. Numerous phenomena worth mentioning were observed.

    Overall, 2023 was only a fraction of a degree warmer than the climate norm. There’s more to it than meets the eye, however. A cooler than average first half of the year ended up balancing out a warmer than average second half of the year. The greatest difference from the climate mean was registered in minimum temperatures. With a mean minimum temperature of 16.3˚C, nights in 2023 were overall 0.3˚C warmer. If we look at 2023 from a month-by-month point of view, however, we notice that it was indeed a year of two faces. Four of the first six months (February, April, May and June) were colder than average. 2023 started off with bright sunshine, warm temperatures and calm. This was the product of a persistent anticyclone that had covered the central Mediterranean since the start of meteorological winter. The anticyclone faded away slowly, with the second week of January 2023 registering the first gale of the year. An abrupt cold snap bringing typical wintry weather started overnight on the 19th and lasted till the end of the month. This was the result of deep low pressure extending from mainland Europe towards the Mediterranean. It brought colder temperatures and eleven consecutive days with at least one shower being recorded at some point during the day. The year’s coldest night was to be that of January 24th. The mercury that night dipped to a chilly 4.9°C. February’s mean minimum temperature was also calculated at a chilly 8.7°C. February 2023 proved to be a very eventful one too. 149.4 mm of rain were measured over the course of last February. 95% of this were measured in a staggering 35 hours of incessant rainfall from later in the afternoon on the 8th through to the predawn hours of the 10th. The 9th will be remembered for being the wettest February day on record. This was produced by Storm Helios, an intense Mediterranean cyclone which developed over the central Mediterranean. These 35 hours of intense rainfall also accounted for the two days of thunder and one day of hail recorded last month. The rest of the month was relatively stable. Persistent anticyclonic conditions that encompassed much of March proved to be a false spring. The months of April through to June were characterized by colder and wetter conditions. 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 fact that showers persisted 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 during spring. This prevented air temperatures from soaring to extreme levels early in the season In fact, no heat spells were registered till the end of 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 would utilize this later on in the season. June 2023 was in fact a breath of fresh air from the previous two record-breaking Junes.

    It didn’t take long for this state of affairs to change, however. Mean temperatures in Malta in July were overall a staggering 3.5°C over the climate average. This made it officially the hottest July on record. This was down to an intense heat wave dubbed Cerberus. 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. This heatwave occurred as a result of a heat dome. A heat dome is a phenomenon in which high-pressure atmospheric conditions trap air coming in from the Sahara Desert. The trapped air heats up at an alarming rate as it is compressed, like what happens under the lid on a saucepan. In normal conditions, winds are able to move a heat dome around, but because this particular heat dome stretched high into the atmosphere, it wasn’t easy to move about. This led to the persistent heatwave. The heat dome caused air pollution, desert sand and moisture to become stagnant, leading to a choked up atmosphere. August 2023 proved a breath of fresh air for the Maltese Islands as no heat waves were experienced and temperatures were not as intense. August 2023 also brought about two separate rainfall events.

    Autumn 2023 was to be an overall disappointing affair. 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 missed the Maltese Islands by a whisker. The former caused a natural disaster on Libyan shores. The second month of meteorological autumn, October 2023, was the warmest in decades and the driest in a century. 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. This was down to an anticyclone which spanned much of the Mediterranean and persisted for weeks. The first half of November 2023 brought very warm temperatures to the Maltese Islands. The first day of November was the hottest day of the month ever recorded. 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 came to a close. Temperatures cooled down and precipitation returned to our shores, bringing the first widespread rainfall since springtime. The 86.0 mm of rainfall measured that month fell just short of the climate mean. This seasonal state of affairs was to be short-lived, however. 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. There were only three episodes of instability; one at the start of the month, another halfway through the month and another just before Christmas Day.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    End of Month Reports
    January 8, 20240

    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
    December 20, 20230

    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
    November 9, 20230

    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
    October 30, 20230

    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
    September 4, 20230

    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)

    Rainfall Reports
    September 4, 20230

    September 2022 to August 2023 Rainfall Report

    The report is based on rainfall readings from our main weather station in Għarb. using a manual rain gauge set-up as per standards established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Obviously, rainfall distribution varies widely from one location to another. For this reason, we have included a list of localities around the Maltese Islands along with their respective rainfall totals at the end of the report.

     

    Precipitation Totals

    Total Rainfall in September 2022 87.2 mm
    Total Rainfall in October 2022 27.7 mm
    Total Rainfall in November 2022 176.8 mm
    Total Rainfall in December 2022 7.0 mm
    Total Rainfall in January 2023 58.4 mm
    Total Rainfall in February 2023 149.4 mm
    Total Rainfall in March 2023 11.6 mm
    Total Rainfall in April 2023 29.1 mm
    Total Rainfall in May 2023 23.6 mm
    Total Rainfall in June 2023 5.8 mm
    Total Rainfall in July 2023 0.0 mm
    Total Rainfall in August 2023 9.1 mm

     

    Total Rainfall from 1st September 2022 till 31st August 2023 585.7 mm

     

    Highest 24 Hour Total 121.1 mm 9th February 2023

     

    Rain Days 62 days
    Thunderstorm Days 32 days
    Hail Days 15 days

     

    2022/2023 Precipitation Compared to the Climate Means

      Climate Mean 2022/2023 Anomaly
    Total Rainfall in September 2022 55.8 mm 87.2 mm +31.4 mm
    Total Rainfall in October 2022 86.4 mm 27.7 mm -58.7 mm
    Total Rainfall in November 2022 94.9 mm 176.8 mm +81.9 mm
    Total Rainfall in December 2022 83.3 mm 7.0 mm -76.3 mm
    Total Rainfall in January 2023 69.4 mm 58.4 mm -11.0 mm
    Total Rainfall in February 2023 59.5 mm 149.4 mm +89.9 mm
    Total Rainfall in March 2023 41.0 mm 11.6 mm -12.5 mm
    Total Rainfall in April 2023 16.6 mm 29.1 mm +12.5 mm
    Total Rainfall in May 2023 9.4 mm 23.6 mm +14.2 mm
    Total Rainfall in June 2023 4.0 mm 5.8 mm +1.8 mm
    Total Rainfall in July 2023 0.2 mm 0.0 mm -0.2 mm
    Total Rainfall in August 2023 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 84 62 -22 days
    Total Thunderstorm Days 26 32 +6 days
    Total Hail Days 8 15 +7 days

     

    Rainfall Events

    Date Rainfall Description
    22/09/2022 40.9 mm Steady Light Rain; P.M. Thunderstorm
    23/09/2022 39.2 mm A.M. Thunderstorm
    25/09/2022 5.7 mm A.M. Showers
    30/09/2022 1.4 mm P.M. Shower; Distant Thunder
    10/10/2022 27.7 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    05/11/2022 21.2 mm Isolated Showers; Thunderstorm with Hail
    12/11/2022 21.2 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    13/11/2022 2.4 mm Isolated Shower
    14/11/2022 22.1 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    17/11/2022 9.3 mm Shower; Distant Thunder
    20/11/2022 21.0 mm Thunderstorm; Isolated Showers
    21/11/2022 10.4 mm Showers
    22/11/2022 1.4 mm Isolated Showers
    23/11/2022 1.8 mm Isolated Showers
    24/11/2022 1.8 mm Isolated Showers
    26/11/2022 15.9 mm Thunderstorm; Severe Thunderstorm with Hail
    27/11/2022 11.7 mm Showers
    29/11/2022 23.5 mm Thunderstorms with Hail
    30/11/2022 13.1 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    02/12/2022 1.3 mm Light Showers
    06/12/2022 0.2 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    07/12/2022 0.3 mm Light Showers
    10/12/2022 2.5 mm Showers; Distant Thunder
    11/12/2022 0.2 mm Light Showers
    20/12/2022 0.5 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    26/12/2022 0.3 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    27/12/2022 0.5 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    28/12/2022 0.5 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    29/12/2022 0.2 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    30/12/2022 0.3 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    31/12/2022 0.2 mm Mist/Fog and Dew
    01/01/2023 0.3 mm Dew
    02/01/2023 0.2 mm Light Rain
    03/01/2023 0.3 mm Light Rain
    09/01/2023 2.8 mm Rain and Hail Showers
    10/01/2023 0.8 mm Rain Showers
    12/01/2023 1.8 mm Light Rain
    19/01/2023 1.3 mm Rain Showers; Distant Thunder
    20/01/2023 3.1 mm A.M. Thunderstorm with Hail
    21/01/2023 0.5 mm Light Rain
    22/01/2023 9.3 mm Showers and Thunderstorms with Hail
    24/01/2023 9.3 mm Steady Rain; Distant Thunder
    25/01/2023 0.8 mm A.M. Light Rain; Distant Thunder
    26/01/2023 9.8 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    27/01/2023 9.8 mm Thunderstorm; Rain and Hail Showers
    28/01/2023 8.3 mm Thunderstorm with Hail; Showers
    29/01/2023 0.0 mm Distant Thunder and Hail
    02/02/2023 1.1 mm Light Rain
    07/02/2023 3.0 mm Light Rain
    08/02/2023 18.7 mm P.M. Steady Rain
    09/02/2023 121.1 mm Steady Rain; Thunderstorms
    10/02/2023 2.5 mm A.M. Steady Rain; Distant Thunder and Hail
    13/02/2023 1.5 mm Light Rain
    14/02/2023 0.5 mm Light Rain
    21/02/2023 0.3 mm Dew; Fog
    22/02/2023 0.2 mm Dew; Fog
    23/02/2023 0.3 mm Dew; Fog
    24/02/2023 0.2 mm Dew; Fog
    02/03/2023 7.5 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    03/03/2023 4.1 mm Showers
    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
    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
    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
    01/07/2023   Mist
    10/07/2023   Mist
    12/07/2023   Haze
    16/07/2023   Fog
    21/08/2023 9.1 Thunderstorm
    26/08/2023   Widespread Dust
    27/08/2023   Fog
    31/08/2023   Distant Thunderstorm

     

    Comparing 2022/2023 to Past Decade

    2012/2013 – 461.3 mm (below average)

    2013/2014 – 454.7 mm (below average)

    2014/2015 – 657.0 mm (above average)

    2015/2016 – 265.0 mm (below average)

    2016/2017 – 349.1 mm (below average)

    2017/2018 – 441.2 mm (below average)

    2018/2019 – 505.2 mm (below average)

    2019/2020 – 406.0 mm (below average)

    2020/2021 – 414.7 mm (below average)

    2021/2022 – 586.0 mm (above average)

    2022/2023 – 585.7 mm (above average)

     

    Comparing Different Localities around the Maltese Islands

    Għarb – 585.7 mm

    Victoria – 514.3 mm

    Xewkija – 509.8 mm

    Nadur – 508.1 mm

    Marsalforn – 534.9 mm

    Mellieħa – 490.9 mm

    Buġibba – 570.0 mm

    Mġarr – 546.8 mm

    Naxxar – 687.4 mm

    Mosta – 662.4 mm

    Ħad-Dingli – 544.8 mm

    Msida – 719.1 mm

    Tas-Sliema – 687.5 mm

    Valletta – 535.8 mm

    Imqabba – 596.5 mm

    Ħaż-Żabbar – 591.9 mm

    Birżebbuġa – 493.9 mm

    NATIONAL MEAN – 575.3 mm

    End of Month Reports
    August 8, 20230

    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
    July 3, 20230

    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)

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