Reports

End of Month Reports

Warmer and Wetter in September 2022

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 31.3°C 5th and 10th
Lowest Maximum 23.9°C 23rd
Highest Minimum 26.8°C 9th
Lowest Minimum 17.3°C 23rd

 

Mean Maximum 28.8°C
Mean Minimum 22.8°C
Mean 25.8°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 94% 10th and 23rd
Lowest Relative Humidity 46% 24th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 77.1%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 45.1km/h 25th

 

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

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1022.0hPa 6th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.6hPa 17th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.1hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During September 2022 87.2 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 87.2 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 40.9 mm 22nd

 

Rain Days 4
Thunderstorm Days 3
Hail Days 0

 

Rainfall Events

22/9/2022 40.9 mm Steady Light Rain; P.M. Thunderstorm
23/9/2022 39.2 mm A.M. Thunderstorm
25/9/2022 5.7 mm A.M. Showers
30/9/2022 1.4 mm P.M. Shower; Distant Thunder

 

September 2022 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean September 2022 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 28.3°C 28.8°C  +0.5°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 20.8°C 22.8°C +2.0°C
Mean Temperature 24.6°C 25.8°C +1.2°C
Mean Relative Humidity 77% 77.1% +0.1%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.4hPa 1015.1hPa -3.3hPa
Total Rainfall 55.5 mm 87.2 mm +1.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 55.5 mm 87.2 mm +0.4 mm
Total Rain Days 3 days 4 days +1 day
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 3 days +3 days
Total Hail Days 1 day 0 days Nil

 

WARMER and WETTER in SEPTEMBER 2022

The first month of meteorological autumn was marked by significantly warmer than average temperatures. The mean maximum temperature of 28.8°C and the minimum temperature of 22.8°C exceeded the climate norm by 0.5°C and 2.0°C respectively. The first twenty days were all warmer than average. Temperatures cooled down to average or below average upon the arrival of a colder air mass from northern Europe on the 21st. September 2022 maintained the warmer than average trend started in late spring. Despite this, no extremes were registered last month.

September 2022 produced 87.2 mm of precipitation at our weather station in Għarb. That is significantly more than what one would expect in a typical September. September is normally a hit-or-miss month for rain-bearing systems around the central Mediterranean. In fact, 92% of last month’s total precipitation fell within 24 hours, from late morning on the 22nd till late morning on the 23rd. There were an additional two days of rain, with both registering a brief but intense shower. No severe phenomena were observed in September 2022.

The final ten days of the month were noticeably more unsettled, with most days featuring a cloudier sky, breezier conditions and cooler temperatures.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in September 2022 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 87.2 mm (87.2 mm)

Victoria: 73.9 mm (73.9 mm)

Xewkija: 73.4 mm (73.4 mm)

Nadur: 85.0 mm (85.0 mm)

Marsalforn: 80.5 mm (80.5 mm)

Mellieħa: 38.9 mm (38.9 mm)

Buġibba: 65.5 mm (65.5 mm)

Mġarr: 50.8 mm (50.8 mm)

Naxxar: 66.0 mm (66.0 mm)

Mosta: 64.7 mm (64.7 mm)

Dingli: 82.6 mm (82.6 mm)

Msida: 74.8 mm (74.8 mm)

Valletta: 50.6 mm (50.6 mm)

Imqabba: 86.7 mm (86.7 mm)

Żabbar: 78.8 mm (78.8 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 59.4 mm (59.4 mm)

Sliema: 65.8 mm (65.8 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 69.9 mm

Rainfall Reports

September 2021 to August 2022 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 2021 9.6 mm
Total Rainfall in October 2021 241.0 mm
Total Rainfall in November 2021 177.5 mm
Total Rainfall in December 2021 62.1 mm
Total Rainfall in January 2022 35.1 mm
Total Rainfall in February 2022 5.0 mm
Total Rainfall in March 2022 21.2 mm
Total Rainfall in April 2022 4.7 mm
Total Rainfall in May 2022 20.1 mm
Total Rainfall in June 2022 0.0 mm
Total Rainfall in July 2022 0.0 mm
Total Rainfall in August 2022 9.7 mm

 

Total Rainfall from 1st September 2021 till 31st August 2022 586.0 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 69.5 mm 3rd October 2021

 

Rain Days 82 days
Thunderstorm Days 29 days
Hail Days 10 days

 

2021/2022 Precipitation Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean 2021/2022 Anomaly
Total Rainfall in September 2021 40.4 mm 9.6 mm -30.8 mm
Total Rainfall in October 2021 89.7 mm 241.0 mm +151.3 mm
Total Rainfall in November 2021 80.0 mm 177.5 mm +97.5 mm
Total Rainfall in December 2021 112.3 mm 62.1 mm -50.2 mm
Total Rainfall in January 2022 89.0 mm 35.1 mm -53.9 mm
Total Rainfall in February 2022 61.3 mm 5.0 mm -56.3 mm
Total Rainfall in March 2022 40.9 mm 21.2 mm -19.7 mm
Total Rainfall in April 2022 22.5 mm 4.7 mm -17.8 mm
Total Rainfall in May 2022 6.6 mm 20.1 mm +13.5 mm
Total Rainfall in June 2022 3.2 mm 0.0 mm -3.2 mm
Total Rainfall in July 2022 0.3 mm 0.0 mm -0.3 mm
Total Rainfall in August 2022 7.0 mm 9.7 mm +2.7 mm

 

Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 553.2 mm 586.0 mm +32.8 mm

 

Total Rain Days 84 82 -2 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 26 29 +3 days
Total Hail Days 8 10 +2 days

 

Rainfall Events

Date Rainfall Description
04/09/2021 3.6 mm Thunderstorm
06/09/2021 1.5 mm Isolated Thunderstorm
09/09/2021 2.6 mm Isolated Shower; Distant Thunder
10/09/2021 1.5 mm Isolated Shower; Distant Thunder
11/09/2021 0.4 mm Isolated Shower
02/10/2021 32.1 mm Thunderstorm; Hail
03/10/2021 69.5 mm Thunderstorm; Hail
05/10/2021 2.4 mm P.M. Isolated Thunderstorm
06/10/2021 3.0 mm A.M. Isolated Thunderstorm
07/10/2021 1.2 mm Isolated Showers
08/10/2021 2.1 mm Isolated Showers
09/10/2021 0.3 mm Isolated Showers
10/10/2021 3.7 mm Isolated Showers; Distant Thunder
12/10/2021 0.4 mm Isolated Showers
14/10/2021 34.5 mm Steady Rain; Thunder
15/10/2021 0.5 mm Isolated Showers
16/10/2021 0.2 mm Light Rain
18/10/2021 1.0 mm Isolated Showers; Distant Thunder
25/10/2021 24.1 mm P.M. Steady Rain; Thunder
26/10/2021 39.7 mm A.M. Steady Rain; Thunder; P.M. Showers
27/10/2021 11.9 mm Showers
28/10/2021 2.8 mm Isolated Showers
29/10/2021 4.6 mm Light Rain
30/10/2021 0.3 mm Light Rain
31/10/2021 6.7 mm Light Rain; P.M. Steady Rain
01/11/2021 19.9 mm Thunderstorm
08/11/2021 0.3 mm Light Rain
09/11/2021 2.8 mm Showers
11/11/2021 48.8 mm Heavy Thunderstorm; Hail
15/11/2021 2.5 mm Isolated Shower
22/11/2021 2.8 mm Showers; Distant Thunder
25/11/2021 61.3 mm Heavy Thunderstorm; Hail
27/11/2021 3.3 mm Showers; Distant Thunder
28/11/2021 30.7 mm Steady Rain; Thunder
29/11/2021 4.1 mm Showers
30/11/2021 1.0 mm Isolated Shower
02/12/2021 0.3 mm Light Rain
03/12/2021 29.9 mm Steady Rain; Distant Thunder
04/12/2021 2.4 mm Showers
05/12/2021 1.5 mm Isolated Showers
06/12/2021 4.3 mm Showers; Hail
09/12/2021 3.1 mm Isolated Showers; Hail
10/12/2021 0.3 mm Light Rain
11/12/2021 16.4 mm Intermittent Light Rain; Hail
12/12/2021 0.3 mm Light Rain
16/12/2021 2.8 mm Isolated Showers
23/12/2021 0.5 mm Light Rain
28/12/2021 0.3 mm Light Rain
06/01/2022 1.3 mm Light Rain
09/01/2022 2.5 mm Showers
10/01/2022 6.6 mm Showers
12/01/2022 4.6 mm Showers
13/01/2022 18.1 mm Rainy
21/01/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
24/01/2022 1.5 mm Rain and Hail Shower; Thunder
01/02/2022 3.3 mm Rain and Hail Showers
11/02/2022 0.3 mm Dew
13/02/2022 0.3 mm Dew
14/02/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
16/02/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
23/02/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
01/03/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain Shower; Hail and Thunder in Vicinity
05/03/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
07/03/2022 0.8 mm Light Rain
12/03/2022 3.3 mm P.M. Rain
13/03/2022 13.7 mm A.M. Rain; Thunder in Vicinity
19/03/2022 0.8 mm Light Rain
20/03/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
21/03/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
30/03/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
31/03/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
01/04/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
07/04/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
15/04/2022 0.8 mm Light Rain
16/04/2022 1.8 mm Isolated Shower
17/04/2022 0.8 mm Isolated Shower
18/04/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
01/05/2022 0.8 mm Light Rain
02/05/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
08/05/2022 6.1 mm Rain Shower; Distant Thunder
09/05/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
29/05/2022 12.6 mm Rain Shower; Distant Thunder and Hail
10/8/2022 4.6 mm Showers, Thunder in Vicinity
11/8/2022 5.1 mm Showers, Thunder in Vicinity, Waterspouts
12/8/2022 0.0 mm Thunder in Vicinity

 

Comparing 2021/2022 to Past Decade

2011/2012 – 668.0 mm

2012/2013 – 461.3 mm

2013/2014 – 454.7 mm

2014/2015 – 657.0 mm

2015/2016 – 265.0 mm

2016/2017 – 349.1 mm

2017/2018 – 441.2 mm

2018/2019 – 505.2 mm

2019/2020 – 406.0 mm

2020/2021 – 414.7 mm

2021/2022 – 586.0 mm

 

Comparing Different Localities around the Maltese Islands

Għarb: 586.0 mm

Victoria: 615.3 mm

Xewkija: 562.6 mm

Nadur: 626.8 mm

Marsalforn: 629.4 mm

Mellieħa: 587.8 mm

Buġibba: 651.7 mm

Mġarr: 644.1 mm

Naxxar: 688.1 mm

Mosta: 605.5 mm

Dingli: 497.1 mm

Msida: 627.7 mm

Valletta: 384.6 mm

Imqabba: 592.8 mm

Żabbar: 607.5 mm

Birżebbuġa: 432.6 mm

Sliema: 594.9mm

NATIONAL MEAN: 584.8 mm

End of Month Reports

Hotter but Wetter in August 2022

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 38.3°C 17th
Lowest Maximum 29.1°C 25th
Highest Minimum 28.0°C 18th
Lowest Minimum 21.1°C 24th

 

Mean Maximum 31.4°C
Mean Minimum 23.9°C
Mean 27.6°C

 

 Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 94% 17th
Lowest Relative Humidity 25% 17th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 76.6%

 

 Wind

Highest Gust 43.5km/h 19th

 

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

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1018.9hPa 30th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.2hPa 22nd

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1013.3hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During August 2022 9.7 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 586.0 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 5.1 mm 11th

 

Rain Days 2
Thunderstorm Days 3
Hail Days 0

 

 Rainfall Events

10/8/2022 4.6 mm Showers, Thunder in Vicinity
11/8/2022 5.1 mm Showers, Thunder in Vicinity, Waterspouts
12/8/2022 0.0 mm Thunder in Vicinity

 

August 2022 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean August 2022 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 31.4°C 31.4°C Nil
Mean Minimum Temperature 22.7°C 23.9°C +1.2°C
Mean Temperature 27.1°C 27.6°C +0.5°C
Mean Relative Humidity 73% 76.6% +3.6%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.4hPa 1013.3hPa +2.1hPa
Total Rainfall 8.6 mm 9.7 mm +1.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 585.6 mm 586.0 mm +0.4 mm
Total Rain Days 1 day 2 days +1 day
Total Thunderstorm Days 0 days 3 days +3 days
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days Nil

 

HOTTER but WETTER in AUGUST 2022

 

The third and final month of the meteorological summer completed a whole season of hotter than average temperatures. The mean maximum temperature of 31.4°C conformed with the climate norm. The mean minimum temperature of 23.9°C exceeded the norm by a staggering 1.2°C. Overall, August 2022’s mean temperature of 27.6°C was half a degree warmer than the climate average for a typical August. This anomaly in minimum temperatures could be directly attributed to a very warm central Mediterranean Sea (with a sea surface temperature of 28°C to 29°C). A very warm sea inhibits nighttime cooling of air across land areas. Despite maximum temperatures being around the norm for the time of year, elevated levels of relative humidity made for some very uncomfortable days. Relative humidity averaged 76.6% overall, with the level failing to drop below 50% on most days. The heat index exceeded 40°C on a number of days. The heat index is what the air temperature actually feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with air temperature in the shade. A number of rain showers drenched zones of the Maltese Islands around the 10th and 11th. Much of the rain that fell in these showers evporated from the soil and vegetation in the following days, causing levels of relative humidity to spike. Last month also accounted for the hottest day and night recorded at our weather station over the course of this year’s meteorological summer. The mercury hit a sweltering 38.3°C on the 17th. It dipped to only 28.0°C the following night.

August 2022 was a very interesting month with regards to precipitation. Despite the intense heat that dominated much of last month, it was a rather unstable month. Towering cumulus clouds featured on the vast majority of days. The air closer to the surface was hot and humid. Simultaneously, cold air was present in the upper levels of the atmosphere. On sunlit days, the hot and humid air is forced to rise. Upon reaching the colder air aloft, moisture within the air mass condenses to form dense clouds. These clouds start forming in the late morning and dissipate by the late afternoon, peaking in the mid-afternoon. These clouds generated some intense thunderstorms from 10th to 12th August. Various localities around the Maltese Islands experienced showers. A handful of localities were drenched by intense downpours. Localities to the south of Malta remained largely dry. Total precipitation tallied at a national average of 22.2 mm. A few localities received in excess of two inches (or 50 mm) of precipitation.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in August 2022 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 9.7 mm (586.0 mm)

Victoria: 18.1 mm (615.3 mm)

Xewkija: 11.4 mm (562.6 mm)

Nadur: 7.4 mm (626.8 mm)

Marsalforn: 3.6 mm (629.4 mm)

Mellieħa: 44.2 mm (587.8 mm)

Buġibba: 31.8 mm (651.7 mm)

Mġarr: 52.3 mm (644.1 mm)

Naxxar: 56.4 mm (688.1 mm)

Mosta: 61.7 mm (605.5 mm)

Dingli: 2.0 mm (497.1 mm)

Msida: 33.3 mm (627.7 mm)

Valletta: 13.6 mm (384.6 mm)

Imqabba: 12.4 mm (592.8 mm)

Żabbar: 12.0 mm (607.5 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 0.8 mm (432.6 mm)

Sliema: 16.8 mm (594.9mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 22.8 mm (584.8 mm)

End of Month Reports

Hotter than Average in July 2022

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 36.8°C 5th
Lowest Maximum 28.4°C 10th
Highest Minimum 26.3°C 26th
Lowest Minimum 19.1°C 17th

 

Mean Maximum 31.9°C
Mean Minimum 23.4°C
Mean 27.7°C

 

Relative Humidity

Lowest Relative Humidity 25% 6th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 69.1%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 45.1km/h 8th

 

Mean Wind Speed 7.7km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1021.6hPa 12th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.6hPa 27th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.9hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During July 2022 0.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 576.3 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total Nil Nil

 

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

 

July 2022 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean July 2022 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 31.2°C 31.9°C +0.7°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 21.8°C 23.4°C +1.6°C
Mean Temperature 26.5°C 27.7°C +1.2°C
Mean Relative Humidity 69.0% 69.1% +0.1%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.7hPa 1015.9hPa +0.2hPa
Total Rainfall 0.3 mm 0.0 mm -0.3 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 576.4 mm 576.3 mm -0.1 mm
Total Rain Days 0 days 0 days Nil
Total Thunderstorm Days 0 days 0 days Nil
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days Nil

 

HOTTER THAN AVERAGE in JULY 2022

July 2022, the second month of meteorological summer, was marked by hotter than average temperatures. Whilst no extreme heat waves were recorded, the maximum temperature did exceed the climate norm of 31.2°C on eighteen days. Whilst daytime maximum temperatures were 0.7°C warmer than the norm, nighttime minimum temperatures exceeded the climate average by a staggering 1.6°C. This could be attributed to a warmer than average sea around the central Mediterranean. A very warm sea inhibits nighttime cooling of air on land. Nights did in fact feel very warm, offering meagre relief after a hot day. The air temperature at our Gozo weather station peaked at 36.8°C on the 5th. A handful of localities on mainland Malta registered maximum temperatures in the region of 39°C.

The sea surface temperature around the Maltese Islands surged to 28°C / 29°C as the month progressed.

Whilst it was bone dry at our Gozo weather station, July 2022 proved to be more interesting in terms of precipitation for a number of localities in Malta. A national mean of 0.3 mm was measured by rain gauges distributed in a number of localities around the Maltese Islands. The wettest area was around Dingli. Other localities around central Malta also received some rain. Isolated showers developed over Malta on the 10th and the 14th. That week was characterized by instability. A pocket of cold air was present in the upper levels of the atmosphere over the Maltese Islands. The air at lower levels was substantially warmer and more humid. This state of affairs rendered the atmosphere unstable. As the sun heated the land, the warm and humid air at the surface was forced to rise. This caused the water vapour to condense, forming rain clouds. Cloudbuilding started early in the day, and the clouds reached a size large enough to produce an isolated shower. This episode of instability that spanned the entire second week of July also claimed the highest wind gust measured last month, a 45.1 km/h (Force 6) wind gust from the North Northwest on a breezy day on the 8th.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in July 2022 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 0.0 mm (576.3 mm)

Victoria: 0.0 mm (597.2 mm)

Xewkija: 0.0 mm (551.2 mm)

Nadur: 0.0 mm (619.4mm)

Marsalforn: 0.0 mm (625.8 mm)

Mellieħa: 0.0 mm (543.6 mm)

Buġibba: 0.0 mm (619.9 mm)

Mġarr: 0.0 mm (591.8 mm)

Naxxar: 0.0 mm (631.7 mm)

Mosta: 0.5 mm (543.8 mm)

Dingli: 3.8 mm (495.1 mm)

Msida: 0.0 mm (594.4 mm)

Valletta: 0.0 mm (371.0 mm)

Imqabba: 0.4 mm (580.4 mm)

Żabbar: 0.0 mm (595.5 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 0.0 mm (431.8 mm)

Sliema: 0.0 mm (578.1mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 0.3 mm (562.0 mm)

End of Month Reports

Dry and Significantly Hotter than Average in June 2022

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 35.9°C 26th
Lowest Maximum 24.3°C 10th
Highest Minimum 26.7°C 27th
Lowest Minimum 18.2°C 3rd

 

Mean Maximum 30.9°C
Mean Minimum 21.4°C
Mean 26.2°C

 

Relative Humidity

Lowest Relative Humidity 17% 25th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 61.8%

 

 Wind

Highest Gust 45.1km/h 10th

 

Mean Wind Speed 8.8km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1019.5hPa 15th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.9hPa 10th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.3hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During June 2022 0.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 576.3 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total Nil Nil

 

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

  

June 2022 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean June 2022 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 28.2°C 30.9°C +2.7°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 19.3°C 21.4°C +2.1°C
Mean Temperature 23.8°C 26.2°C +2.4°C
Mean Relative Humidity 71% 61.8% -9.2%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.8hPa 1015.3hPa -0.5hPa
Total Rainfall 4.4 mm 0.0 mm -4.4 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 576.1 mm 576.3 mm +0.2 mm
Total Rain Days 1 day 0 days -1 day
Total Thunderstorm Days 0 days 0 days Nil
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days Nil

 

DRY and SIGNIFICANTLY HOTTER THAN AVERAGE in JUNE 2022

June 2022, the first month of meteorological summer, was marked by significantly hotter than average and bone dry weather.

With the mean temperature a staggering 2.4°C warmer than the climatic mean, last June was the warmest in decades. There was one heat spell at the start of the month and a heat wave towards the end of the month (24th till 31st). By definition, a heat wave is defined as a spell of three of more consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding the mean maximum temperature for that particular time of year by 5°C or more. A heat spell is any episode of intense heat that doesn’t satisfy the criteria for a heat wave. The hottest day last month was the 26th, when the mercury soared to 35.9°C at our weather station. It was hotter elsewhere around the Maltese Islands. With a maximum temperature of 39°C, the 28th was the hottest day nationally. A period of seasonal weather, with temperatures at or slightly above the norm, was experienced halfway through June.

There was nothing to report in terms of rainfall. June 2022 was bone dry. It was also relatively calm regionally, with no thunderstorms observed in territorial waters.

As the first month of meteorological summer, it also lived up to its expectation of being a calm month. There was only one episode of windy weather. Its peak was on the 10th, when a wind gust of 45.2 km/h (Force 6) was measured.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in June 2022 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 0.0 mm (576.3 mm)

Victoria: 0.0 mm (597.2 mm)

Xewkija: 0.0 mm (551.2 mm)

Nadur: 0.0 mm (619.4mm)

Marsalforn: 0.0 mm (625.8 mm)

Mellieħa: 0.0 mm (543.6 mm)

Buġibba: 0.0 mm (619.9 mm)

Mġarr: 0.0 mm (591.8 mm)

Naxxar: 0.0 mm (631.7 mm)

Mosta: 0.0 mm (543.3 mm)

Dingli: 0.0 mm (491.3 mm)

Msida: 0.0 mm (594.4 mm)

Valletta: 0.0 mm (371.0 mm)

Imqabba: 0.0 mm (580.0 mm)

Żabbar: 0.0 mm (595.5 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 0.0 mm (431.8 mm)

Sliema: 0.0 mm (578.1mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 0.0 mm (561.7 mm)

End of Month Reports

Wetter but Marginally Warmer in May 2022

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 31.9°C 26th
Lowest Maximum 17.9°C 1st
Highest Minimum 21.4°C 25th
Lowest Minimum 12.3°C 12th

 

Mean Maximum 24.1°C
Mean Minimum 16.2°C
Mean 20.1°C

 

Relative Humidity

Lowest Relative Humidity 17% 24th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 73.3%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 46.7km/h 27th

 

Mean Wind Speed 14.3km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction South Southeast

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1029.0hPa 20th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1005.8hPa 29th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.7hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During May 2022 20.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 576.3 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 12.6 mm 29th

 

Rain Days 5 days
Thunderstorm Days 2 days
Hail Days 1 day

 

Rainfall Events

01/05/2022 0.8 mm Light Rain
02/05/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
08/05/2022 6.1 mm Rain Shower; Distant Thunder
09/05/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
29/05/2022 12.6 mm Rain Shower; Distant Thunder and Hail

 

May 2022 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean May 2022 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 23.9°C 24.1°C +0.2°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 15.7°C 16.2°C +0.5°C
Mean Temperature 19.8°C 20.1°C +0.3°C
Mean Relative Humidity 74% 73.3% -0.7%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.3hPa 1016.7hPa +1.4hPa
Total Rainfall 10.6 mm 20.1 mm +9.5 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 571.7 mm 576.3 mm +4.6 mm
Total Rain Days 3 days 5 days +2 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 days 2 days +1 day
Total Hail Days 0 days 1 day -1 day

 

WETTER but MARGINALLY WARMER in MAY 2022

May 2022 was marked by the gradual rise in air temperatures which is synonymous with late spring. Overall, it was marginally warmer than average. The mean temperature of 20.1°C was 0.3°C warmer than the climate mean. The 17th was the warmest day last month. A maximum temperature of 31.9°C was measured on that day. No temperature extremes were recorded over the course of the month.

May 2022 was wetter than normal. The 12.2 mm measured across the Maltese Islands was a fraction higher than what one would normally expect in May. The majority was produced by two rainfall events: on the 8th and 29th. Both rainfall events produced a brief episode of heavy rain. Thunder was heard on both days too. Some small hail was also reported on the 29th. A few days with light rain along with abundant fine desert sand were also reported. The wetter than average weather was due to prevalent instability across the central Mediterranean.

May 2022 lived up to its expectation of being a relatively breezy month. In fact, half of all days last month featured wind of at least Force 5 at times.

 

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in May 2022 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 20.1 mm (576.3 mm)

Victoria: 20.4 mm (597.2 mm)

Xewkija: 16.6 mm (551.2 mm)

Nadur: 8.9 mm (619.4mm)

Marsalforn: 12.4 mm (625.8 mm)

Mellieħa: 6.2 mm (543.6 mm)

Buġibba: 9.9 mm (619.9 mm)

Mġarr: 12.5 mm (591.8 mm)

Naxxar: 8.8 mm (631.7 mm)

Mosta: 17.2 mm (543.3 mm)

Dingli: 10.0 mm (491.3 mm)

Msida: 10.2 mm (594.4 mm)

Valletta: 7.7 mm (371.0 mm)

Imqabba: 15.2 mm (580.0 mm)

Żabbar: 12.0 mm (595.5 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 9.1 mm (431.8 mm)

Sliema: 9.8 mm (578.1mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 12.2 mm (561.7 mm)

End of Month Reports

Colder and Drier in April 2022

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 24.1°C 26th
Lowest Maximum 14.7°C 3rd
Highest Minimum 15.8°C 29th
Lowest Minimum 6.6°C 11th

 

Mean Maximum 18.6°C
Mean Minimum 12.6°C
Mean 15.6°C

 

Relative Humidity

Lowest Relative Humidity 36% 27th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 74.9%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 62.8km/h 14th

 

Mean Wind Speed 14.2km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1028.2hPa 25th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 996.1hPa 21st

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.1hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During April 2022 4.7 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 556.2 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 1.8 mm 16th

 

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

 

Rainfall Events

01/04/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
07/04/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain
15/04/2022 0.8 mm Light Rain
16/04/2022 1.8 mm Isolated Shower
17/04/2022 0.8 mm Isolated Shower
18/04/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain

 

April 2022 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean April 2022 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 19.6°C 18.6°C -1.0°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 12.5°C 12.6°C +0.1°C
Mean Temperature 16.1°C 15.6°C -0.5°C
Mean Relative Humidity 77% 75.7% -1.3%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.3hPa 1014.1hPa -0.2hPa
Total Rainfall 23.2 mm 4.7 mm -18.5 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 561.7 mm 556.2 mm -5.5 mm
Total Rain Days 6 days 6 days /
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 days 0 days -1 day
Total Hail Days 1 day 0 days -1 day

 

COOLER and DRIER in APRIL 2022 

April 2022 maintained the trend of cooler than average weather set at the start of winter. The transition to the warmer months is slower and continues to lag slightly behind. With a mean temperature of 15.6°C, April 2022 was half a degree cooler than the norm, with the difference from the mean being more pronounced in maximum temperatures. The temperature started exceeding the 20°C mark towards the last week of the month. The coldest temperature last month was measured in the very early hours of the 11th, when the mercury dipped to 6.6°C. This was the only ‘extreme’ recorded in April 2022.

April 2022 became the fourth consecutive month to register below-average precipitation. The meagre 4.7 mm measured by our weather station was a mere 20% of the climate norm. At 2.0 mm, the national precipitation total stood at an even lower level. This fell over six days. Much of it was in the form of light rain that deposited fine desert sand. All zones of low pressure that traversed the central Mediterranean last month were of Sahara Desert origins. In fact, half of all days in April 2022 were characterized by airborne fine desert sand.

The wind blew from the Sirocco quarter for much of the month as well. This too is a tell-tale sign of the presence of north African low pressure systems. The wind gusted up to Force 6 or stronger on a staggering 12 days. The vast majority of these windy days were characterized by the Sirocco. The highest wind gust was registered at 62.8 km/h on the 14th, during a gale that forced the cancellation of a number of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday plans.

The meteorological situation last month was as one would expect in a typical April. The only difference was the enhancement of weather conditions. A number of ridges of high pressure developed across the central Mediterranean from time to time. These were very short-lived as they were repeatedly forced to dissipate or migrate eastwards by the zones of low pressure that persistently emerged from the Gulf of Gabes.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in April 2022 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 4.7 mm (556.2 mm)

Victoria: 4.4 mm (576.8 mm)

Xewkija: 0.5 mm (534.6 mm)

Nadur: 3.0 mm (610.5mm)

Marsalforn: 3.4 mm (613.4 mm)

Mellieħa: 1.0 mm (537.4 mm)

Buġibba: 1.6 mm (610.0 mm)

Mġarr: 1.3 mm (579.3 mm)

Naxxar: 3.6 mm (622.9 mm)

Mosta: 2.8 mm (526.1 mm)

Dingli: 1.4 mm (481.3 mm)

Msida: 0.8 mm (584.2 mm)

Valletta: 0.3 mm (363.3 mm)

Imqabba: 1.5 mm (564.8 mm)

Żabbar: 1.0 mm (583.5 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 1.5 mm (422.7 mm)

Sliema: 1.3 mm (568.3 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 2.0 mm (549.5 mm)

Reports

3 Hourly Forecast for Easter Sunday (17/4/2022)

00:00 to 03:00 – partly to variably cloudy with the possibility of an isolated shower; 13°C / 14°C; North Northeast to North Force 3 to 4
03:00 to 06:00 – partly to variably cloudy; 13°C / 14°C; North Force 3 to 4
06:00 to 09:00 – partly to variably cloudy; 13°C / 14°C to 17°C; North to North Northwest Force 2 to 3
09:00 to 12:00 – partly cloudy; 17°C to 19°C; North Northwest Force 1 to 2
12:00 to 15:00 – partly cloudy; 19°C / 20°C; North Northwest to Northwest Force 1 to 2
15:00 to 18:00 – partly cloudy; 19°C / 20°C to 17°C; Northwest to West Northwest Force 1 to 2, increasing rapidly to become Force 4 to 5
18:00 to 21:00 – partly to variably cloudy with the possibility of an isolated shower; 17°C to 14°C; West Northwest Force 4 to 5
21:00 to 00:00 – partly to variably cloudy with the possibility of an isolated shower; 14°C to 13°C / 14°C; West Northwest Force 4 to 5

Easter Sunday is a day of celebration in the Maltese Islands. The somber mood of the previous days changes totally on Sunday. The ringing of church bells announces the Resurrection of Christ. A procession with the statue of the Risen Christ is held in a number of towns and villages across the islands in the morning. Some localities hold theirs in the evening. Traditionally, statue-bearers will run with the statue of Risen Christ back into the church at the end of the procession. The highlight of the day is a special family lunch that relatives and friends share together. The exchanging of easter eggs and the figolli remains very popular on this day. Figolli, a traditional almond-filled pastry, is often in the shape of a rabbit, lamb, fish or a heart and is normally covered in either icing sugar or melted chocolate.

End of Month Reports

Significantly Colder in March 2022

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 24.6°C 31st
Lowest Maximum 11.9°C 9th
Highest Minimum 14.2°C 31st
Lowest Minimum 3.9°C 25th

 

Mean Maximum 15.5°C
Mean Minimum 9.4°C
Mean 12.4°C

 

Relative Humidity

Lowest Relative Humidity 45% 9th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 75.7%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 53.1km/h 18th

 

Mean Wind Speed 12.5km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction East Southeast

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1035.0hPa 15th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 996.8hPa 31st

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1020.9hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During March 2022 21.2 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 551.5 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 13.7 mm 13th

 

Rain Days 10 days
Thunderstorm Days 2 days
Hail Days 1 day

 

Rainfall Events

01/03/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain Shower. Hail and Thunder in Vicinity.
05/03/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
07/03/2022 0.8 mm Light Rain
12/03/2022 3.3 mm P.M. Rain
13/03/2022 13.7 mm A.M. Rain. Thunder in Vicinity.
19/03/2022 0.8 mm Light Rain
20/03/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
21/03/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
30/03/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
31/03/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain

 

March 2022 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean March 2022 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 17.3°C 15.5°C -1.8°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 10.7°C 9.4°C -1.3°C
Mean Temperature 14.0°C 12.4°C -1.6°C
Mean Relative Humidity 79% 75.7% -3.2%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.1hPa 1020.9hPa +4.8hPa
Total Rainfall 40.7 mm 21.2 mm -19.5 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 538.5 mm 551.5 mm +13.0 mm
Total Rain Days 9 days 10 days +1 day
Total Thunderstorm Days 2 days 2 days /
Total Hail Days 1 day 1 day /

 

SIGNIFICANTLY COLDER in MARCH 2022

March 2022 continued the colder than average trend set in previous months. In fact, March turned out to be as cold as February. The mean temperature of 12.4°C was a staggering 1.6°C colder than the norm for this time of year. The mean maximum of 15.5°C and mean minimum of 9.4°C were 1.8°C and 1.3°C colder than the climate mean respectively. March 2022 was the coldest March in decades. The mercury dipped to a chilly 3.9°C in the early hours of the 25th, making that night one of the coldest March nights on record. Less than a week later, at around noon on the 31st, the Maltese Islands experienced one of the warmest March days in recent years. The temperature spiked to 24.6°C at our weather station on the final day of the month. Values were even higher in areas further inland. Minimum temperatures dropped to below the 10°C mark on a total of eighteen nights. The only average or slightly warmer than average days came in the month’s final week, indicating the much anticipated start of spring’s gradual rise in temperatures.

Although rainfall over the course of March 2022 was lower than the average, there was still a marked improvement over the previous month. The 21.2 mm accumulated by the end of the month were around half the total rainfall expected in a typical March. The bulk fell in a rainy episode halfway through the month (12th and 13th). The rest were produced by sporadic rain showers. Much of these showers deposited fine desert sand brought over by a predominant Sirocco wind.

Half of last month featured winds blowing from the Sirocco quarter. In fact, most days during March 2022 featured a hazy sky. This was due to the abundant fine desert sand blown across the Mediterranean by the southerly winds. Last month’s highlight was a gale-force wind from the East Southeast on the 18th and 19th.

The meteorological situation across Europe was fairly uniform last month. The meteorological situation over eastern Europe was characterized by an unusually strong and extensive area of high pressure. This anticyclone had been stationary over the region for a long while. Such a meteorological setting helped maintain a persistent stream of cold air from Siberia all the way to the central Mediterranean, keeping temperatures locally below the climatic norm. Further to this, a fairly stable atmosphere across our area deviated most rain-bearing systems to the north, maintaining the drier weather. The colder air further aggravated the situation. Things took a turn to a more seasonal meteorological setting by the final week of the month. Systems of low pressure of north African origin started developing over Tunisia. These traversed the central Mediterranean bringing warmer temperatures, elevated levels of humidity, dustier air and southerly winds.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in March 2022 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 21.2 mm (551.5 mm)

Victoria: 23.7 mm (572.5 mm)

Xewkija: 18.7 mm (534.1 mm)

Nadur: 23.9 mm (607.5mm)

Marsalforn: 15.8 mm (610.0 mm)

Mellieħa: 19.0 mm (536.4 mm)

Buġibba: 22.0 mm (608.4 mm)

Mġarr: 21.8 mm (578.0 mm)

Naxxar: 22.7 mm (619.3 mm)

Mosta: 20.0 mm (523.4 mm)

Dingli: 23.5 mm (479.9 mm)

Msida: 20.4 mm (583.4 mm)

Valletta: 14.8 mm (363.0 mm)

Imqabba: 30.2 mm (563.3 mm)

Żabbar: 17.1 mm (582.5 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 14.3 mm (421.2 mm)

Sliema: 15.7 mm (567.0 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 20.3 mm (547.5 mm)

End of Month Reports

Significantly Drier in February 2022

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 17.0°C 15th
Lowest Maximum 13.2°C 28th
Highest Minimum 13.0°C 19th
Lowest Minimum 5.3°C 9th

 

Mean Maximum 15.2°C
Mean Minimum 9.4°C
Mean 12.3°C

 

Relative Humidity

Lowest Relative Humidity 43% 8th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 78.4%

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1032.9hPa 9th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1002.9hPa 1st

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1020.7hPa

 

Wind

Highest Gust 59.5km/h 1st

 

Mean Wind Speed 14.3km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During February 2022 5.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 530.3 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 3.3 mm 1st

 

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

 

Rainfall Events

01/02/2022 3.3 mm Rain and Hail Showers
11/02/2022 0.3 mm Dew
13/02/2022 0.3 mm Dew
14/02/2022 0.3 mm več Light Rain
16/02/2022 0.5 mm Light Rain
23/02/2022 0.3 mm Light Rain

 

February 2022 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean February 2022 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 15.7°C 15.2°C -0.5°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 9.5°C 9.4°C -0.1°C
Mean Temperature 12.6°C 12.3°C -0.3°C
Mean Relative Humidity 78% 78.4% +0.4%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.6hPa 1020.7hPa +4.1hPa
Mean Wind Speed 19.1km/h 13.3km/h -5.8 km/h
Total Rainfall 61.6 mm 5.0 mm -56.6 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 497.8 mm 525.3 mm +27.5 mm
Total Rain Days 11 days 4 days -7 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 3 days 0 day -3 days
Total Hail Days 1 day 1 day /

 

Significsntly Drier in February 2022

Rain over the course of February 2022 was very scarce. In fact, it was among the driest ever. Total daily rainfall exceeded 1.0 mm on only one day. This was on the 1st, when 3.3 mm were measured at our weather station. By the end of the month, 5.0 mm of rain had accumulated. This was from isolated light rain and/or dewfall on a number of days. February 2022 received less than 10% of the rain one would expect over the course of a typical February. No locality in the Maltese Islands accumulated more than 10 mm of rain last month. This serious lack of rainfall may be blamed on successive zones of high pressure that characterised the meterorological situation around the western Mediterranean. This prevented low pressure systems from reaching the central Mediterranean. The sheer stability that dominated much of last month was reflected in readings of atmospheric pressure and wind speed. Readings of atmospheric pressure were frequently above average for this time of year. No major gales were experienced last month. February is normally a very windy month locally.

Temperatures were overall cooler than average. This could be due to persistent zones of high pressure over central and eastern Europe. These patterns of atmospheric pressure direct cold air from northern Europe towards the Mediterranean. A number of nights were characterized by clear skies and a lack of wind. Clear skies at night allow heat to escape into the atmosphere, allowing air temperatures to dip. The coldest temperature last month was measured at 5.3°C, in the early hours of the 9th. A total of twelve nights registered minimum temperatures below the climate norm. Overall, with a difference of – 0.3°C from the mean, air temperatures were only marginally colder.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in February 2022 (and since last September 1st):

Għarb: 5.0 mm (530.3 mm)

Victoria: 5.8 mm (548.8 mm)

Xewkija: 5.6 mm (515.4 mm)

Nadur: 2.3 mm (583.6mm)

Marsalforn: 5.1 mm (594.2 mm)

Mellieħa: 4.9 mm (517.4 mm)

Buġibba: 5.2 mm (586.4 mm)

Mġarr: 3.6 mm (556.2 mm)

Naxxar: 5.8 mm (596.6 mm)

Mosta: 3.9 mm (503.4 mm)

Dingli: 5.9 mm (456.4 mm)

Msida: 5.6 mm (563.0 mm)

Valletta: 6.4 mm (348.2 mm)

Imqabba: 3.3 mm (533.1 mm)

Żabbar: 7.8 mm (565.4 mm)

Birżebbuġa: 3.1 mm (406.9 mm)

Sliema: 3.5 mm (551.3 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 4.9 mm (527.2 mm)