Malta is set for a wet and potentially thundery start to the week, but the latest forecast suggests conditions should improve considerably as the week progresses.
The Malta International Airport Meteorological Office is forecasting locally thundery showers for Monday, 14 September, followed by a chance of isolated showers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
By Thursday, the outlook becomes brighter, with partly cloudy conditions forecast through to Saturday.
Monday brings the greatest chance of thunderstorms
Monday is expected to be the most unsettled day of the forecast period, with showers that could become locally thundery.
The temperature is forecast to reach a maximum of 27°C, with a minimum of 23°C. It may feel closer to 29°C.
East-northeasterly winds are forecast at Force 4 to 5, becoming Force 5.
As the forecast specifies locally thundery showers, conditions may vary considerably across the Maltese Islands. Some areas could experience thunder and heavier bursts of rain while others see less rainfall.
Isolated showers remain possible on Tuesday and Wednesday
The risk of rain does not disappear immediately after Monday.
Isolated showers are forecast for both Tuesday and Wednesday, although temperatures begin edging upwards again.
Tuesday is expected to reach 28°C with a low of 22°C, while Wednesday is also forecast to reach 28°C with a minimum of 22°C.
Winds on Tuesday are forecast from the north-northeast at Force 4 to 5 before easing to Force 3. Wednesday should see northerly winds at Force 4, easing to Force 2 to 3.
Brighter weather returns from Thursday
Anyone hoping for a return to brighter September weather should see an improvement from Thursday.
The Met Office forecast currently shows partly cloudy conditions for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with no showers indicated during those three days.
Thursday is forecast to reach 29°C, followed by 30°C on Friday and 29°C on Saturday. Overnight temperatures should remain around 23°C.
Friday could feel as warm as 30°C, while Saturday’s feels-like temperature is forecast to reach 31°C.
Overall, the latest outlook points towards a clear divide in the week: a thundery and showery Monday, a lingering possibility of isolated rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, then a brighter and warmer second half of the week.
As always with showers and thunderstorms, conditions can change and rainfall can be highly localised, so anyone with outdoor plans should keep an eye on the latest forecast.
Source: Malta International Airport Meteorological Office
Photo: Andrea Muscat
