Reports

    End of Month Reports
    February 2, 20200

    January 2020 was one of the Driest on Record

    Air Temperature

    Highest Maximum 17.9°C 26th
    Lowest Maximum 12.4°C 6th
    Highest Minimum 13.5°C 26th 
    Lowest Minimum 7.3°C 5th

     

    Mean Maximum 15.7°C
    Mean Minimum 11.1°C
    Mean 13.4°C

     

    Relative Humidity

    Highest Relative Humidity 100% Several days
    Lowest Relative Humidity 49% 5th

     

    Mean Relative Humidity 87.9%

     

    Atmospheric Pressure

    Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1034.5hPa 22nd
    Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1019.7hPa 26th

     

    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1025.5hPa

     

    Wind

    Highest Gust 56.3km/h 5th

     

    Mean Wind Speed 9.0km/h
    Mean Gust Speed 31.6km/h
    Mean Wind + Gust Speed 20.3km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

     

    Precipitation

    Total Rainfall During January 2020 8.9 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 357.2 mm

     

    Highest 24 Hour Total 5.9 mm 13th

     

    Rain Days 4
    Thunderstorm Days 0
    Hail Days 0

     

    Rainfall Events

    12/01/2020 0.5 mm Drizzle
    13/01/2020 5.9 mm Isolated Showers
    14/01/2020 1.5 mm Isolated Light Rain
    21/01/2020 1.0 mm Isolated Light Rain

     

    January 2020 Compared to the Climate Means 

      Climate Mean January 2020 Anomaly
    Mean Maximum Temperature 15.4°C 15.7°C +0.3°C
    Mean Minimum Temperature 9.9°C 11.1°C +1.2°C
    Mean Temperature 12.7°C 13.4°C +0.7°C
    Mean Relative Humidity 79% 87.9% +8.9%
    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1018.2hPa 1025.5hPa +7.3hPa
    Mean Wind Speed 18.9 km/h 20.3km/h +1.4km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest Northwest 0°
    Total Rainfall 85.4 mm 8.9 mm -76.5 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 411.5 mm 357.2 mm -54.3 mm
    Total Rain Days 13 4 -9
    Total Thunderstorm Days 3 0 -3
    Total Hail Days 1 0 -1

     

    January 2020 was one of the Driest on Record

    The month of January was extremely drier than average. In fact, it came close to breaking a decades old record for the driest January ever. The measly 8.9 mm measured over the course of this month was just 10% of the total we normally receive in a typical January. In terms of dry weather, January 2020 continued the trend set at the beginning of December 2019. Only 4 days of rain were recorded. With the exception of a brief hailstorm in Mellieħa, no thunder or hail was observed across the Maltese Islands this month. All rain this January came in brief isolated showers, a weather pattern we often experience in late spring.

    With regards to air temperatures, the Maltese Islands experienced a mild January. Daytime highs, at a mean of 15.7°C, were only slightly above the average. The average nighttime low of 11.1°C, however, was a solid 1.2°C greater than the mean for this time of year. A brief cold spell towards the start of the month registered January 2020’s coldest minimum temperature of 7.3°C. No other cold spell was observed over the course of the month. The rest of January 2020, especially its second half, was marked by warmer than average temperatures.

    January is typically a windy month, locally. January 2020 was overally quite breezy, with winds reaching the Force 4/5 mark on a number of days. However, it was marked by the complete abscence of gale-force winds. The highest wind gust last month was of only 56.3 km/h, from the North Northwest.

    A very strong positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was present throughout the month. A stronger than usual Azores High in combination with a deeper than normal Icelandic Low left its impact on the data gathered by our weather station in Għarb. Anticyclones characterised our weather in January 2020. Low pressure systems coming in from the Atlantic were forced northwards. This meteorological situation meant that the Maltese Islands experienced some very dry weather and milder temperatures throughout the month of January 2020. This was confirmed by atmospheric pressure gathered at our weather station in Għarb. The mean value of 1025.5hPa exceeded the climate average significantly. The maximum atmospheric pressure reading of 1034.5hPa came very close to breaking the all time record.

    End of Year Reports
    January 5, 20200

    2019 – The warmest year this decade

    Air Temperature

    Highest Maximum 38.3°C 9th July 2019
    Lowest Maximum 10.6°C 4th January 2019
    Highest Minimum 26.2°C 9th July 2019
    Lowest Minimum 3.9°C 23rd February 2019

     

    Mean Maximum 22.6°C
    Mean Minimum 16.4°C
    Mean 19.5°C

     

     

    Relative Humidity

    Highest Relative Humidity 100% Several Days
    Lowest Relative Humidity 14% 9th July 2019

     

    Mean Relative Humidity 63.8%

     

     

    Atmospheric Pressure

    Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1030.5hPa 14th February 2019
    Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 987.1hPa 25th January 2019

     

    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.2hPa

     

     

    Wind

    Highest Gust 101.0 km/h (Force 10) 24th February 2019

     

    Mean Wind Speed 16.2 km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction West Southwest

     

    Precipitation

    Total Rainfall During 2018 559.2 mm

     

    Highest 24 Hour Total 47.8 mm 11th November 2019

     

    Rain Days 92 days
    Thunderstorm Days 31 days
    Hail Days 20 days

     

     

    Rainfall Events

    03/01/2019 1.3 mm Light Rain/Hail
    06/01/2019 2.5 mm Light Rain/Hail
    09/01/2019 12.1 mm Showers
    10/01/2019 1.0 mm Light Rain
    11/01/2019 2.0 mm Light Rain
    12/01/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle
    13/01/2019 2.0 mm Showers
    14/01/2019 7.9 mm Showers
    17/01/2019 2.4 mm Showers
    19/01/2019 3.6 mm Showers
    20/01/2019 6.6 mm Thundery Rain/Hail Showers
    22/01/2019 2.8 mm Showers
    23/01/2019 0.8 mm Light Rain
    24/01/2019 8.4 mm Rain/Hail Showers
    25/01/2019 6.4 mm Rain/Hail Showers
    26/01/2019 1.7 mm Shower
    27/01/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle
    29/01/2019 2.3 mm Thundery Rain/Hail Showers
    30/01/2019 0.5 mm Drizzle
    03/02/2019 3.2 mm Thundery Rain/Hail Showers
    04/02/2019 10.2 mm Showers; Steady Rain
    05/02/2019 11.6 mm Thundery Rain/Hail Showers; Steady Rain
    07/02/2019 0.6 mm Shower
    09/02/2019 0.9 mm Shower
    16/02/2019 0.8 mm Shower
    23/02/2019 6.9 mm Rain/Hail Showers
    24/02/2019 2.8 mm Rain/Hail Showers
    28/02/2019 3.0 mm Shower
    02/03/2019 0.5 mm Isolated Shower
    06/03/2019 0.5 mm Heavy Dewfall
    10/03/2019 0.3 mm Heavy Dewfall
    12/03/2019 0.3 mm Light Rain Shower
    15/03/2019 2.0 mm Light Rain
    18/03/2019 0.3 mm Heavy Dewfall
    21/03/2019 27.4 mm Thunderstorm
    22/03/2019 2.5 mm Light Rain
    24/03/2019 0.3 mm Heavy Dewfall
    27/03/2019 22.7 mm Thunderstorm
    04/04/2019 1.8 mm Light Rain
    05/04/2019 19.1 mm Thunderstorm
    07/04/2019 4.3 mm Isolated Showers
    14/04/2019 2.0 mm Isolated Showers
    22/04/2019 0.3 mm Light Thunderstorm
    03/05/2019 7.8 mm Showers
    04/05/2019 0.5 mm Light Thunderstorm
    12/05/2019 2.5 mm Light Thunderstorm
    13/05/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle
    14/05/2019 2.3 mm Light Rain
    16/05/2019 5.6 mm Thunderstorm
    26/05/2019 1.8 mm Light Thunderstorm
    30/05/2019 0.3 mm Light Rain
    16/07/2019 1.3 mm Shower
    29/08/2019 0.2 mm Light Rain
    01/09/2019 1.0 mm Light Rain
    02/09/2019 17.9 mm Thunderstorm
    04/09/2019 6.7 mm Thunderstorm
    05/09/2019 0.5 mm Light Rain; Distant Thunder
    09/09/2019 1.5 mm Isolated Shower
    10/09/2019 44.7 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    11/09/2019 5.4 mm Isolated Showers
    22/09/2019 0.7 mm Light Rain
    07/10/2019 24.1 mm Thunderstorm; Steady Light Rain
    08/10/2019 1.4 mm Isolated Shower
    09/10/2019 15.0 mm Thunderstorms
    10/10/2019 0.3 mm Isolated Shower
    16/10/2019 4.8 mm Thunderstorm
    25/10/2019 13.9 mm Thunderstorm
    27/10/2019 6.4 mm Thunderstorm
    28/10/2019 24.6 mm Thunderstorm
    29/10/2019 10.0 mm Thunderstorm
    30/10/2019 4.5 mm Thunderstorm
    31/10/2019 1.0 mm Isolated Shower
    01/11/2019 11.4 mm Thunderstorm
    06/11/2019 3.6 mm Steady Light Rain
    07/11/2019 5.4 mm Steady Light Rain
    08/11/2019 TR mm Drizzle schweiz-libido.com
    09/11/2019 5.5 mm Isolated Showers
    10/11/2019 0.8 mm Drizzle
    11/11/2019 47.8 mm Thunderstorms
    12/11/2019 24.7 mm Rainy
    13/11/2019 1.8 mm Light Rain
    17/11/2019 0.1 mm Drizzle
    19/11/2019 1.5 mm Light Rain
    24/11/2019 12.4 mm Thunderstorms
    25/11/2019 14.0 mm Thunderstorms
    26/11/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle
    09/12/2019 0.2 mm Drizzle
    10/12/2019 9.2 mm Rain/Hail Showers
    11/12/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle
    12/12/2019 11.0 mm Intermittent Rain/Hail
    13/12/2019 3.5 mm Isolated Showers
    14/12/2019 0.8 mm Drizzle
    22/12/2019 1.0 mm Drizzle
    23/12/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle
    30/12/2019 2.8 mm Rain/Hail Showers
    31/12/2019 5.5 mm Rain/Hail Showers

     

     

     2019 Compared to the Climate Means

      Climate Mean 2019 Anomaly
    Mean Maximum Temperature 20.8°C 22.6°C +1.8°C
    Mean Minimum Temperature 15.6°C 16.4°C +0.8°C
    Mean Temperature 18.2°C 19.5°C +1.3°C
    Mean Relative Humidity 76% 63.8% -12.2%
    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.5hPa 1016.2hPa -0.3hPa
    Mean Wind Speed 16.4 km/h 16.2 km/h -0.2 km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction West Northwest West Southwest -45°
    Total Rainfall 585.6 mm 559.2 mm -26.4 mm
    Total Rain Days 84 days 92 days +8 days
    Total Thunderstorm Days 26 days 31 days +5 day
    Total Hail Days 8 days 20 days +12 days

     

     

    Month-by-Month Summary for 2019

    January 2019 – Colder and Drier

    February 2019 – Average Temperatures and Drier

    March 2019 – Warmer and Wetter

    April 2019 – Colder and Wetter

    May 2019 – Colder and Wetter

    June 2019 – Warmer and Drier

    July 2019 – Warmer with Average Rainfall

    August 2019 – Warmer and Drier

    September 2019 – Warmer and Wetter

    October 2019 – Warmer and Wetter

    November 2019 – Warmer and Wetter

    December 2019 – Warmer and Drier

     

     

    2019: The Warmest Year this Decade

    2019 was the warmest year in the last decade. With a mean temperature of 19.5˚C, the annual average was exceeded by 1.3˚C. The greatest difference from the climate mean was recorded in maximum temperatures. All spring months, along with January, were colder than average. Conversely, all months from June onward were warmer than average. June 2019 was record breaking. It was the hottest June to ever be experienced in the Maltese Islands. It broke the record set in June 2003. The hottest day in 2019 was to be 9th July, when the mercury soared to 38.3˚C at the height of a heatwave. The coldest night in 2019 was to be 23rd February, when the thermometer dipped to 3.9˚C ahead of the strongest wind storm since 1982.

    Total rainfall over the course of 2019 was close to average. A total of 559.2 mm was measured last year. The wettest month last year was November, followed closely by October. The two months accounted for almost half of the total annual rainfall. Both spring and autumn were notably wetter than average. As usual, summer was extremely dry. The number of days with rain, thunder and hail were all greater than normal. The highest 24-hour total was of 47.8 mm on 11th November. This broke no records, and was in fact, much lower than what one would normally expect in a typical year. There were no severe rainfall events in 2019.

    Averaging at 16.2 km/h, the wind speed conformed with the value of a typical year. February set new records with regards to wind, however. February is typically a windy month. This year, it was certainly no different. The highest gust last month was registered at 101km/h from the Southeast. This was the strongest ever recorded at our weather station in Għarb. It was during the worst Gregalata since 1982.

    Overall, the average atmospheric pressure was also very close to the norm. The highest value of atmospheric pressure was recorded on the 15th, 17th and 18th of February. It reached 1030 hPa on all three days. The lowest value of atmospheric pressure, on the other hand, was taken on 25th January. It dropped to 987hPa for some moments.

    2019’s highlight was without a doubt the record-breaking Gregale on 23rd and 24th February. The system that produced the severe gale was a Mediterranean cyclone. The Mediterranean cyclone that formed late on Saturday 23/02 and lasted till late on Sunday 24/02, was the very first since the one in November 2014. A strong jet-stream blew some very warm and humid air masses from the Ionian Sea, the Gulf of Gabes and the Gulf of Sirte towards the central Mediterranean. Simulateneously, frigid air from over the Balkans penetrated the central Mediterranean, initiating the process of Mediterranean Cyclone development. This was the strongest wind since the year 1982. A gust of 101km/h (Force 10) broke the long-standing wind gust record at our weather station in Għarb. The storm-force winds left behind a trail of destruction.

     

     

    End of Month Reports
    January 2, 20200

    Warmer and Drier December 2019

    Air Temperature

    Highest Maximum 22.5°C 3rd
    Lowest Maximum 12.0°C 29th
    Highest Minimum 16.4°C 3rd and 18th 
    Lowest Minimum 6.5°C 30th

     

    Mean Maximum 17.5°C
    Mean Minimum 13.5°C
    Mean 15.5°C

     

    Relative Humidity

    Highest Relative Humidity 100% Several days
    Lowest Relative Humidity 54% 28th

     

    Mean Relative Humidity 83.5%

     

    Atmospheric Pressure

    Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1028.9hPa 31st
    Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1000.8hPa 14th

     

    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.7hPa

     

    Wind

    Highest Gust 82.1km/h 14th

     

    Mean Wind Speed 14.0km/h
    Mean Gust Speed 45.6km/h
    Mean Wind + Gust Speed 29.8km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

     

    Precipitation

    Total Rainfall During December 2019 34.6 mm https://southafrica-ed.com/kamagra-in-south-africa/
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 348.3 mm

     

    Highest 24 Hour Total 11.0 mm 10th

     

    Rain Days 10
    Thunderstorm Days 3
    Hail Days 4

     

    Rainfall Events

    09/12/2019 0.2 mm Drizzle
    10/12/2019 9.2 mm Rain/Hail Showers
    11/12/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle
    12/12/2019 11.0 mm Intermittent Rain/Hail
    13/12/2019 3.5 mm Isolated Showers
    14/12/2019 0.8 mm Drizzle
    22/12/2019 1.0 mm Drizzle
    23/12/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle
    30/12/2019 2.8 mm Rain/Hail Showers
    31/12/2019 5.5 mm Rain/Hail Showers

     

    December 2019 Compared to the Climate Means 

      Climate Mean December 2019 Anomaly
    Mean Maximum Temperature 17.1°C 20.7°C +0.4°C
    Mean Minimum Temperature 11.8°C 15.6°C +1.7°C
    Mean Temperature 14.5°C 18.2°C +1.0°C
    Mean Relative Humidity 79% 71.7% +4.5%
    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.3hPa 1012.3hPa +0.4hPa
    Mean Wind Speed 18.2 km/h 10.0km/h -4.2km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest South 0°
    Total Rainfall 109.7 mm 129.3 mm -75.1 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 342.1 mm 313.7 mm +6.2 mm
    Total Rain Days 14 10 -4
    Total Thunderstorm Days 4 3 -1
    Total Hail Days 1 4 +3


    Warmer and Drier December 2019

    Temperatures throughout the last month of 2019 followed the trend set in previous months. Daytime highs exceeded the norm by just less than half a degree. Nighttime lows, on the other hand, were almost a solid 2˚C warmer than average. December 2019 started on a very warm note, with maximum temperatures of around 20˚C throughout the first week. Nighttime lows never dipped below the 16˚C mark for the duration of the first week. A few days with cooler than average temperature values followed. This didn’t last long, however, as warm conditions returned to the Maltese Islands by mid-December. These prevailed till after Christmas, when the first cold snap of winter gripped the central Mediterranean. It was at this time, that the coldest day and night were measured, with temperatures of 12.0˚C and 6.5˚C respectively.

    In a stark contrast to the previous autumnal months, December 2019 was very dry. The 34.6 mm accumulated during the month were a full 75 mm short of the climate average. A typical December is the wettest month of the year. This was the result of anticyclonic conditions that prevailed over the central and eastern Mediterranean. These acted as a barrier, deviating the majority of storm systems to the north. The 10 days of rain and 3 days of thunder observed last month less than the average for this time of year. The 4 days of hail exceeded the climate average, however.

    Averaging at 14.0 km/h, the wind speed was weaker than the norm. Weaker winds have been a dominant feature of autumn so far. The month’s windiest day was the 14th, when a gust of 82.1 km/h (Force 9) blowing from a Northwest direction was recorded.

    Atmospheric pressure conformed with the norm.

    Last month’s highlight was a severe Mistral on the 14th. A depression (980hPa) formed over the Gulf of Genoa, and migrated across Italy and into central/southern Adriatic Sea. Simultaneously, a ridge of high pressure developed to its east, over France. The pressure difference generated a severe gale from the Northwest across the central Mediterranean. The depression was derived from one which had produced a windstorm across the British Isles and northwest Europe some days before. This was only the second gale in an otherwise unusually calm autumn. The bulk of last month’s precipitation was produced by this system. The severe gale-force winds and heavy rain from the system caused disruption and some light damage.

    Reports, Updates
    December 15, 20190

    This week: A warm and humid southerly wind to prevail

    It’s been a windy and rather wet week for the Maltese Islands. The low pressure system that brought days of unstable weather to our shores has moved east, allowing an area of high pressure to take over. This area of high pressure will strengthen. This will ensure fine weather on most days this week. There will be plenty of sunshine on most days, with the exception of a day or two, when lots of high clouds are to be expected. No significant rainfall is being anticipated this week. Some nights will be characterised by mist or fog patches and some heavy dewfall, however. The wind is set to shift to the South, and remain so till the weekend, when it will back Northwest again. It will be moderate to strong on most days. Temperatures will rise again. Throughout the week, highs will range between 19 C and 21 C. On the other hand, lows will vary from a more seasonal 12 C to a rather warm 17 C.

    Severe Weather Reports
    December 15, 20190

    Severe Mistral on 14/12/2019

    A depression (980hPa) formed over the Gulf of Genoa, and migrated across Italy and into central/southern Adriatic Sea. Simultaneously, a ridge of high pressure developed to its east, over France. The pressure difference generated a severe gale from the Northwest across the central Mediterranean. The depression was derived from one which had produced a windstorm across the British Isles and northwest Europe some days before.

    This was only the second gale in an otherwise unusually calm autumn. A maximum wind gust of 82.1 km/h (Force 9) from the Northwest was measured by our weather station in Għarb. Even stronger gusts of around 100 km/h (Force 10) were measured on high ground. The severe gale-force mistral winds caused minor disruption and also some light damage.

    The damage included uprooted trees, broken branches and collapsed walls. The ferry linking the two islands of Gozo and Malta had to be rerouted throughout the day. Catamaran journeys between Malta and Sicily were cancelled. The Ħaġar Qim temple complex was closed off to the public briefly after a protective shelter was damaged by the wind. A stand shelter at the Centenary Stadium was damaged, leading to two matches being called off https://polska-ed.com/kupic-generic-cialis/.

    Thanks to Andrea Muscat for the photos!

    End of Month Reports
    December 1, 20190

    November 2019 brings more Wetter than Average Weather

    Air Temperature

    Highest Maximum 25.9°C 6th
    Lowest Maximum 16.7°C 12th
    Highest Minimum 19.1°C 3rd
    Lowest Minimum 11.6°C 11th

     

    Mean Maximum 20.7°C
    Mean Minimum 15.6°C
    Mean 18.2°C

     

    Relative Humidity

    Highest Relative Humidity 100% Several days
    Lowest Relative Humidity 39% 10th

     

    Mean Relative Humidity 71.7%

     

    Atmospheric Pressure

    Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1021.3hPa 30th
    Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 996.2hPa 12th

     

    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1012.3hPa

     

    Wind

    Highest Gust 61.2km/h 25th

     

    Mean Wind Speed 10.0km/h
    Mean Gust Speed 37.6km/h
    Mean Wind + Gust Speed 23.8km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction South

     

    Precipitation

    Total Rainfall During November 2019 129.3 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 313.7 mm

     

    Highest 24 Hour Total 47.8 mm 11th

     

    Rain Days 14
    Thunderstorm Days 4
    Hail Days 3

     

    Rainfall Events

    01/11/2019 11.4 mm Thunderstorm
    06/11/2019 3.6 mm Steady Light Rain
    07/11/2019 5.4 mm Steady Light Rain
    08/11/2019 TR mm Drizzle
    09/11/2019 5.5 mm Isolated Showers
    10/11/2019 0.8 mm Drizzle
    11/11/2019 47.8 mm Thunderstorms
    12/11/2019 24.7 mm Rainy
    13/11/2019 1.8 mm Light Rain
    17/11/2019 0.1 mm Drizzle
    19/11/2019 1.5 mm Light Rain
    24/11/2019 12.4 mm Thunderstorms
    25/11/2019 14.0 mm Thunderstorms
    26/11/2019 0.3 mm Drizzle

     

    November 2019 Compared to the Climate Means 

      Climate Mean November 2019 Anomaly
    Mean Maximum Temperature 20.6°C 20.7°C +0.1°C
    Mean Minimum Temperature 14.5°C 15.6°C +1.1°C
    Mean Temperature 17.6°C 18.2°C +0.6°C
    Mean Relative Humidity 77% 71.7% -5.3%
    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.9hPa 1012.3hPa -5.6hPa
    Mean Wind Speed 16.3 km/h 10.0km/h -6.3km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest South 135°
    Total Rainfall 93.6 mm 129.3 mm +35.7 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 232.4 mm 313.7 mm +81.3 mm
    Total Rain Days 11 14 +3
    Total Thunderstorm Days 4 4 0
    Total Hail Days 1 3 +2


    November 2019 brings more Wetter than Average Weather

    The autumnal transition continued over the course of November. However, air temperatures remained relatively warm throughout the month, rising to over 20°C on most days. Daytime highs followed typical patterns. Nighttime lows were particularly warm, however. At 20.7˚C, daytime highs exceeded the norm by only a fraction of a degree. At 19.4˚C, nights were just more than a degree warmer than average. Temperatures were fairly consistent over the past four weeks. November air temperatures ranged from a pleasant maximum of 25.9˚C to a cool minimum of 11.6˚C.

    The 129.3 mm of rain measured last month exceeded the 93.6 mm expected in November of a typical year. This was the result of spells of bad weather brought about by unstable weather patterns which traversed the central Mediterranean on a consistent basis. The 14 days of rain and 3 days of hail observed last month were greater than the average for this time of year. The 4 days of thunder conformed with the climate average.

    Averaging at 10.0 km/h, the wind speed was weaker than the norm. Weaker winds have been a dominant feature of autumn so far. The month’s windiest day was the 25th, when a gust of 61.2 km/h (Force 8) blowing from a Northwest direction.

    Atmospheric pressure was lower than the norm, perhaps due to the intense low pressure of a Mediterranean Tropical-Like Cyclone on the 11th and 12th.

    Last mnth’s highlight was a Mediterranean Tropical-Like Cyclone on the 11th and 12th. It was responsible for most records this month. It accounted for the only single occasion when the air temperature varied considerably from one day to the next. The margin from the 11th to the 12th was of 5˚C. More than half of November 2019’s rain fell over a span of the two days. The highest 24 hour rainfall was measured at 47.8 mm on the 12th. The severe gale-force winds and heavy rain from the system caused disruption and some light damage.

    Severe Weather Reports
    November 13, 20190

    Severe Gale-Force Wind and Heavy Rain on 11&12/11/2019

    This was the strongest wind in months. A maximum wind gust of 78.9 km/h was measured in Nadur. The severe gale-force winds and heavy rain caused disruption and some light damage. In this report, we will describe what gave rise to this intense system and how it affected the Maltese Islands.

    The intense system classified as a Mediterranean Tropical-Like Cyclone (or Medicane). Being the first one since February 2019, it formed early on Monday 11/11 and dissipated by late on Tuesday 12/11. A strong jet-stream blew a stream of very warm and humid air from over the Sahara Desert towards the western and central Mediterranean. Simultaneously, cold air from northern Europe penetrated the western Mediterranean. Both air masses clashed together, initiating the process of Mediterranean Tropical-Like Cyclone development. As a result of the clash, an existing low pressure system started intensifying very quickly, in a process referred to as cyclogenesis in meteorology. Atmospheric pressure at its centre dropped drastically, and a Mediterranean Cyclone was officially formed. The system made landfall in Algeria and lost most of its strength. Once it emerged over the very warm sea of the Gulf of Gabes, it regained strength. Its ‘eye’ was over the Sicilian Channel, close to the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa, at its closest point to the Maltese Islands.

    The cold air mass within the stormy system caused temperatures to dip all around Malta and Gozo. In fact, the temperature at our weather station in Għarb dropped by some 7°C in one hour. An outer band of convection associated with the storm system affected parts of the Maltese Islands, especially Gozo, in the mid-afternoon on Monday 11/11. At its closest point, the Mediterranean Tropical-Like Cyclone drenched the Maltese Islands with a series of heavy rain and hail showers. These lasted all day Tuesday 12/11. The storm generated waves of up to 8.0 metres.

    72.5 mm of rain were measured in the 48 hours that the storm system affected us. Għarb was the wettest locality. Thanks to this heavy precipitation, Għarb reached the monthly average for November before mid-month. The severe gale-force winds produced some light damage. The damage included uprooted trees, collapsed walls and downed power lines. A number of coastal areas suffered extensive flooding from the high waves. The ferry linking the two islands of Gozo and Malta was suspended for over 12 hours, as the very rough sea made crossing the channel too dangerous. Similarly, several catamaran journeys between Malta and Sicily were cancelled.

    Thanks to Andrea Muscat for the photos!

    End of Month Reports
    November 2, 20190

    Warmer but Wetter October 2019

    Air Temperature

    Highest Maximum 27.7°C 2nd
    Lowest Maximum 21.3°C 27th
    Highest Minimum 22.2°C 1st
    Lowest Minimum 15.7°C 28th

     

    Mean Maximum 25.0°C
    Mean Minimum 19.4°C
    Mean 22.2°C

     

    Relative Humidity

    Highest Relative Humidity 72% Several days
    Lowest Relative Humidity 41% 4th brasil-libido.com

     

    Mean Relative Humidity 62.4%

     

    Atmospheric Pressure

    Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1023.9hPa 13th
    Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1002.9hPa 7th

     

    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.7hPa

     

    Wind

    Highest Gust 59.5km/h 8th

     

    Mean Wind Speed 7.9km/h
    Mean Gust Speed 31.3km/h
    Mean Wind + Gust Speed 19.6km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

     

    Precipitation

    Total Rainfall During October 2019 106.0 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 184.4 mm

     

    Highest 24 Hour Total 24.6 mm 28th

     

    Rain Days 11
    Thunderstorm Days 8
    Hail Days 1

     

    Rainfall Events

    07/10/2019 24.1 mm Thunderstorm; Steady Light Rain
    08/10/2019 1.4 mm Isolated Shower
    09/10/2019 15.0 mm Thunderstorms
    10/10/2019 0.3 mm Isolated Shower
    16/10/2019 4.8 mm Thunderstorm
    25/10/2019 13.9 mm Thunderstorm
    27/10/2019 6.4 mm Thunderstorm
    28/10/2019 24.6 mm Thunderstorms
    29/10/2019 10.0 mm Thunderstorm
    30/10/2019 4.5 mm Thunderstorm
    31/10/2019 1.0 mm Isolated Shower

     

    October 2019 Compared to the Climate Means 

      Climate Mean October 2019 Anomaly
    Mean Maximum Temperature 24.8°C 25.0°C +0.2°C
    Mean Minimum Temperature 17.9°C 19.4°C +1.5°C
    Mean Temperature 21.4°C 22.2°C +0.8°C
    Mean Relative Humidity 78% 62.4% -15.6%
    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.6hPa 1017.3hPa -0.3hPa
    Mean Wind Speed 14.1 km/h 7.9km/h +6.2km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest Northwest 0°
    Total Rainfall 83.3 mm 106.0 mm +22.7 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 138.8 mm 184.4 mm +45.6 mm
    Total Rain Days 10 11 +1
    Total Thunderstorm Days 5 8 +3
    Total Hail Days 1 1 0


    Warmer but Wetter October 2019

    October air temperatures ranged from a pleasant maximum of 27.7˚C and a cool minimum of 15.7˚C. They were recorded towards the start and the end of the month respectively. With a mean air temperature of 22.2˚C, October was warmer than average. At 25.0˚C, daytime highs almost conformed with the norm. At 19.4˚C, nights were much warmer than average. Overall, temperatures were consistent throughout October, with no notable heat or cold spells.

    The 106.0 mm of rain measured last month exceeded the 83.3 mm expected in October of a typical year. More than half of October 2019’s rain fell in the last week of the month. This was the result of showers and thunderstorms produced by an unstable air mass which remained almost stationary over the central Mediterranean. The 11 days of rain and 8 days of thunder observed last month were greater than the average for this time of year. The highest 24 hour rainfall was measured at 24.6 mm on the 28th, during a set of thunderstorms. The 7th, with a total of 24.1 mm, came in at a close second. A notable pattern observed throughout October were the long periods of dry weather in between equally long periods of wet weather.

    Averaging at 7.9 km/h, the wind speed was lower than the norm by half. Weaker winds have been a dominant feature of autumn so far. The month’s windiest day was the 8th, on which a maximum gust of 59.5 km/h blowing from an easterly direction was recorded.

    Atmospheric pressure was in line with the norm.

     

    Reports, Updates
    October 19, 20190

    Stable temperatures ahead / It-temperaturi se jibqgħu stabbli

    Low pressure will persist over the western Mediterranean. Meanwhile, high pressure will prevail across the central and eastern Mediterranean. This will generate a flow of air from the south to southeast across our region. This will prevail for some days. The southerly wind will mean mild temperatures for the Maltese Islands till possibly the end of October. Temperatures will be above the average for this time of year. Maximum temperatures will hover around the 25 C mark, while lows will be of 19 C to 20 C.  Any precipitation will be in the form of isolated showers. No major rainfall events are being anticipated till the end of October.

    Pressjoni baxxa se tippersisti lejn il-punent tal-Mediterran. Sadattant, pressjoni għolja se tkompli tkopri ċ-ċentru u lvant tal-Mediterran. Din se twassal għal riħ minn nofsinhar għal-xlokk. Dan se jippersisti għal numru ta’ jiem. Dan ir-riħ se jfisser temperaturi kemmxejn sħan għal Gżejjer Maltin possibilment sa l-aħħar ta’ Ottubru. It-temperaturi se jkunu ogħla mill-medja għal dan iż-żmien tas-sena. L-ogħla se jkunu ta’ 25 C, filwaqt li l-anqas se jvarjaw minn 19 C sa 20 C. Kwalunkwe xita se tkun fil-forma ta’ ħalbiet iżolati. Mhu qed nistennew l-ebda episodji ta’ xita severi sa l-aħħar ta’ Ottubru.

    End of Month Reports
    October 1, 20190

    Warmer but Wetter September 2019

    Air Temperature

    Highest Maximum 29.9°C 3rd
    Lowest Maximum 25.7°C 10th
    Highest Minimum 24.5°C 1st
    Lowest Minimum 18.6°C 11th

     

    Mean Maximum 28.7°C
    Mean Minimum 22.3°C
    Mean 25.5°C

     

    Relative Humidity

    Highest Relative Humidity 72% Several days
    Lowest Relative Humidity 40% 13th

     

    Mean Relative Humidity 62.4%

     

    Atmospheric Pressure

    Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1025.2hPa 12th
    Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1009.8hPa 10th

     

    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.3hPa

     

    Wind

    Highest Gust 48.3km/h 7th

     

    Mean Wind Speed 8.2km/h
    Mean Gust Speed 29.7km/h
    Mean Wind + Gust Speed 19.0km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

     

    Precipitation

    Total Rainfall During September 2019 78.4 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 78.4 mm

     

    Highest 24 Hour Total 44.7 mm 10th

     

    Rain Days 8
    Thunderstorm Days 4
    Hail Days 1

     

    Rainfall Events

    01/09/2019 1.0 mm Light Rain
    02/09/2019 17.9 mm Thunderstorm
    04/09/2019 6.7 mm Thunderstorm
    05/09/2019 0.5 mm Light Rain; Distant Thunder
    09/09/2019 1.5 mm Isolated Shower
    10/09/2019 44.7 mm Thunderstorm with Hail
    11/09/2019 5.4 mm Isolated Showers
    22/09/2019 0.7 mm Light Rain

     

    September 2019 Compared to the Climate Means 

      Climate Mean September 2019 Anomaly
    Mean Maximum Temperature 28.3°C 28.7°C +0.4°C
    Mean Minimum Temperature 20.8°C 22.3°C +1.5°C
    Mean Temperature 24.6°C 25.5°C +0.9°C
    Mean Relative Humidity 77% ed-hrvatski.com 62.4% -14.6%
    Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.4hPa 1017.3hPa -0.1hPa
    Mean Wind Speed 13.7 km/h 19.0km/h +5.3km/h
    Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest Northwest 0°
    Total Rainfall 55.5 mm 78.4 mm +22.9 mm
    Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 55.5 mm 78.4 mm +22.9 mm
    Total Rain Days 4 8 +4
    Total Thunderstorm Days 3 4 +1
    Total Hail Days 1 1 0


    Warmer but Wetter September 2019

    A warmer than average September brought summer 2019 to a close. The mean temperature was calculated at 25.5°C, 0.9°C higher than the climate norm. Nights were particularly warm. Temperatures were consistent throughout September, with no extreme values. The warmest day was the 3rd with a high of 29.9°C. The coolest temperature was recorded at 18.6°C, during a thunderstorm on the 11th.

    September 2019 produced 78.4 mm of precipitation at our weather station in Għarb. The first half of the month was especially wet, with 99% of the month’s rainfall falling during the initial two weeks. The second half of the month was practically completely dry. The highest 24 hour rainfall was measured at 44.7 mm on the 10th, during a heavy thunderstorm. Another notable rainfall event this month was a thunderstorm on the 2nd. The striking feature in this particular storm was the incessant lightning that affected the Maltese Islands, particularly Gozo. There were 8 days of rain in September 2019. 4 of these were accompanied by thunder. Some hail was observed on 1 of these.

    Humidity was also low when compared to the norm. This was due to the higher than average temperatures. Another contributing factor was the plentiful sunshine that characterized the final two weeks of September 2019.

    Atmospheric pressure was in line with the norm. A relatively stable second half of the month compensated for the instability experienced in the first half of September 2019.

    The wind was stronger than usual. Despite this, no extremes were measured. The strongest gust was measured at only 48.3 km/h from the Northwest on the 7th.

     

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