Reports

Rainfall Reports

September 2024 to August 2025 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 2024 29.7 mm
Total Rainfall in October 2024 23.7 mm
Total Rainfall in November 2024 131.3 mm
Total Rainfall in December 2024 31.8 mm
Total Rainfall in January 2025 52.8 mm
Total Rainfall in February 2025 66.0 mm
Total Rainfall in March 2025 78.0 mm
Total Rainfall in April 2025 32.3 mm
Total Rainfall in May 2025 35.3 mm
Total Rainfall in June 2025 22.5 mm
Total Rainfall in July 2025 0.0 mm
Total Rainfall in August 2025 0.5 mm

 

Total Rainfall from 1st September 2024 till 31st August 2025 503.9 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 33.2 mm 7th March 2025

 

Rain Days 81 days
Thunderstorm Days 32 days
Hail Days 8 days

 

2024/2025 Precipitation Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean 2024/2025 Anomaly
Total Rainfall in September 2024 54.9 mm 29.7 mm -25.2 mm
Total Rainfall in October 2024 84.0 mm 23.7 mm -60.3 mm
Total Rainfall in November 2024 94.2 mm 131.3 mm +37.1 mm
Total Rainfall in December 2024 83.0 mm 31.8 mm -51.2 mm
Total Rainfall in January 2025 69.4 mm 52.8 mm -16.6 mm
Total Rainfall in February 2025 61.9 mm 66.0 mm +4.1 mm
Total Rainfall in March 2025 40.3 mm 78.0 mm +37.7 mm
Total Rainfall in April 2025 17.0 mm 32.3 mm +15.3 mm
Total Rainfall in May 2025 9.8 mm 35.3 mm +25.5 mm
Total Rainfall in June 2025 4.1 mm 22.5 mm +18.4 mm
Total Rainfall in July 2025 0.2 mm 0.0 mm -0.2 mm
Total Rainfall in August 2025 10.6 mm 0.5 mm -10.1 mm

 

Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 529.8 mm 503.9 mm -25.9 mm

 

Total Rain Days 83 81 -2 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 30 32 +2 days
Total Hail Days 9 8 -1 day

 

Rainfall Events

Date Rainfall Description
09/09/2024 3.8 mm Isolated Showers
13/09/2024 2.5 mm Light Rain
17/09/2024 4.0 mm Light Ran
18/09/2024 0.8 mm Light Rain; Distant Thunder
19/09/2024 0.0 mm Distant P.M. Downpour
20/09/2024 9.1 mm Showers; Distant Thunderstorm with Hail
21/09/2024 0.5 mm Light Rain
23/09/2024 7.6 mm Showers
24/09/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain
25/09/2024 0.8 mm Light Rain
26/09/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain
18/10/2024 0.5 mm Light Rain Shower
19/10/2024 22.4 mm Thunderstorm
22/10/2024 1.0 mm Light Rain Shower; Distant Thunderstorm
06/11/2024 0.0 mm Distant Localized Shower
07/11/2024 0.5 mm A.M. Light Rain; Distant P.M. Steady Rain
08/11/2024 20.3 mm A.M. Steady Rain; Isolated Thunderstorms
09/11/2024 20.5 mm A.M. Heavy Rain Showers
10/11/2024 18.3 mm Heavy Rain Showers; Isolated Thunderstorms
11/11/2024 33.1 mm Heavy Rain; Isolated Thunderstorms
12/11/2024 22.2 mm Heavy Rain Showers; Isolated Thunderstorms
13/11/2024 3.3 mm A.M. Isolated Showers
15/11/2024 2.6 mm A.M. Isolated Thunderstorms
21/11/2024 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
27/11/2024 0.2 mm Isolated Light Rain; Distant Isolated Showers
29/11/2024 0.0 mm Distant P.M. Isolated Showers
30/11/2024 10.3 mm Showers; Distant Isolated Thunderstorms
01/12/2024 TR mm Isolated Light Rain
03/12/2024 1.8 mm P.M. Isolated Thunderstorm
04/12/2024 5.9 mm A.M. and P.M. Isolated Thunderstorm
05/12/2024 3.4 mm Isolated Showers; Distant A.M. and P.M. Hailstorms
06/12/2024 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
07/12/2024 0.8 mm Isolated Light Rain; Distant Isolated Showers
08/12/2024 0.5 mm Isolated Light Rain; Distant Isolated Showers
15/12/2024 3.9 mm P.M. Rain/Hail Showers; Distant Thunder
16/12/2024 0.5 mm A.M. Light Rain; Distant Thundery Rain/Hail Showers
20/12/2024 0.3 mm Isolated Showers
21/12/2024 0.2 mm Isolated Showers
22/12/2024 0.5 mm Isolated Showers
23/12/2024 3.3 mm Isolated Showers with Hail; Distant Hailstorms
24/12/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain; Distant Isolated Showers
25/12/2024 0.0 mm Distant P.M. Isolated Showers
26/12/2024 1.9 mm P.M. Isolated Showers
27/12/2024 8.5 mm A.M. Isolated Showers
28/12/2024 0.0 mm Distant Light Rain
30/12/2024 TR mm Dew
2/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Light Rain
3/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
4/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
8/1/2025 0.8 mm Light Rain
12/1/2025 3.5 mm A.M. Shower
13/1/2025 12.3 mm P.M. Heavy Rain
14/1/2025 10.1 mm Showers; Distant Thunder
15/1/2025 1.0 mm P.M. Shower
16/1/2025 6.2 mm A.M. Isolated Shower; P.M. Steady Rain
17/1/2025 10.2 mm A.M. Steady Rain; P.M. Thunderstorm with Hail
18/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Light Rain
20/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
21/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
29/1/2025 8.7 mm Light to Moderate Rain; Distant Thunder
30/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant A.M. Light Rain
3/2/2025 0.5 mm Isolated Showers; Distant Thunder and Hail
5/2/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Light Rain
6/2/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Light Rain
7/2/2025 8.0 mm Rain Showers
8/2/2025 15.7 mm Rain Showers
9/2/2025 21.6 mm Steady Rain; Thunderstorm
10/2/2025 6.3 mm Rain Showers
14/2/2025 0.0 mm Distant Hailstorm with Large Hail
15/2/2025 2.3 mm Rain Showers
16/2/2025 0.5 mm Isolated Showers
19/2/2025 0.6 mm P.M. Isolated Showers
20/2/2025 4.2 mm A.M. Showers; Distant Steady Heavy Rain
22/2/2025 1.3 mm A.M. Isolated Shower
26/2/2025 2.1 mm P.M. Light Rain; Showers; Distant Thunder
27/2/2025 2.9 mm Showers; Distant Hail
4/3/2025 6.4 mm A.M. Shower
5/3/2025 0.2 mm Isolated Light Rain
6/3/2025 0.5 mm Isolated Light Rain
7/3/2025 33.2 mm Continuous Rain
8/3/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Light Rain
23/3/2025 0.5 mm Isolated Light Rain with Dust
24/3/2025 TR mm Distant Isolated Light Rain with Dust
25/3/2025 8.5 mm A.M. Isolated Thunderstorm; Showers
26/3/2025 21.7 mm A.M. Steady Rain; Distant Thunder
27/3/2025 0.8 mm Isolated Thundery Showers
28/3/2025 1.6 mm Isolated Thundery Showers
29/3/2025 2.0 mm Isolated Showers
30/3/2025 2.6 mm Isolated Showers
1/5/2025 0.9 mm Isolated Shower; Distant Thunderstorms
7/5/2025 0.3 mm A.M. Isolated Light Rain
29/5/2025 31.1 mm A.M. Thunderstorms with Hail
6/5/2025 1.4 mm A.M. Thunderstorms
9/5/2025 2.8 mm Thunderstorm
15/5/2025 29.0 mm Showers; Distant Thunder; P.M. Thunderstorm
16/5/2025 0.3 mm A.M. Isolated Shower
25/5/2025 1.8 mm A.M. Isolated Showers
20/6/2025 22.5 mm P.M. Downpours
16/8/2025 0.0 mm Distant P.M. Thunderstorm
17/8/2025 0.5 mm A.M. Thunderstorm
29/8/2025 0.0 mm Isolated Light Rain

 

Comparing 2024/2025 to Past Decade

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)

2023/2024: 276.0 mm (below average)

2024/2025: 503.9 mm (below average)

 

Comparing Different Localities around the Maltese Islands

Għarb: 419.7 mm

Kerċem: 503.9 mm

Victoria: 521.0 mm

Marsalforn: 433.2 mm

Xewkija: 371.3 mm

Nadur: 484.6 mm

Għajnsielem: 421.0 mm

Mellieħa: 382.2 mm

Buġibba: 378.8 mm

Mġarr: 468.5 mm

Naxxar: 482.6 mm

Mosta: 469.4 mm

Ħad-Dingli: 569.3 mm

Pembroke: 503.2 mm

Msida: 572.5 mm

Sliema: 462.3 mm

Valletta: 477.8 mm

Fgura: 555.5 mm

Żejtun: 500.2 mm

Żabbar: 553.8 mm

Mqabba: 545.6 mm

Siġġiewi: 542.1 mm

Żurrieq: 515.6 mm

Marsaxlokk: 388.4 mm

NATIONAL MEAN: 480.1 mm

End of Month Reports

Cooler than Average in August 2025

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 33.9°C 13th
Lowest Maximum 27.9°C 4th
Highest Minimum 26.2°C 21st
Lowest Minimum 19.8°C 2nd

 

Mean Maximum 30.3°C
Mean Minimum 23.0°C
Mean 26.7°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 94% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 39% 27th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 78.1%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 35.4km/h 21st

 

Mean Wind Speed 8.6km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1019.3hPa 8th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1010.2hPa 21st

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.9hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During August 2025 0.5 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 503.9 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 0.5 mm 17th

 

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

 

Rainfall Events

16/8/2025 0.0 mm Distant P.M. Thunderstorm
17/8/2025 0.5 mm A.M. Thunderstorm
29/8/2025 TR mm Isolated Light Rain

 

August 2025 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean August 2025 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 31.7°C 30.3°C  -1.4°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 23.3°C 23.0°C -0.3°C
Mean Temperature 27.5°C 26.7°C -0.8°C
Mean Relative Humidity 73.6% 78.1% +4.5%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.1hPa 1014.9hPa +0.8hPa
Total Rainfall 10.6 mm 0.5 mm -10.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 529.4 mm 503.9 mm -25.5 mm
Total Rain Days 1 day 2 days +1 day
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 2 days +1 day
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Cooler than Average in August 2025

The third and final month of meteorological summer confirmed this year’s summer as a very forgiving one temperature-wise, but rather uncomfortable with regards to relative humidity. The mean temperature of 26.7°C stood 0.8°C below the average for this time of year. This was comprised by a mean maximum temperature of 30.3°C (1.4°C cooler than normal) and a mean minimum temperature of 23.0°C (0.3°C cooler than normal). Levels of relative humidity stood at an average of 78.1%. This made the cooler than average temperatures feel really warm. No intense heat spells were registered over the course of last month. In fact, the warmest day of the month registered a maximum temperature of ‘only’ 33.9°C. The elevated levels of relative humidity were due to a sea surface temperature which remained at 27°C + on the whole.

August was a mixed bag of spring weather. As spring settled in across the Maltese Islands, August was characterized by a mix of pleasant weather and occasional instability, including a day of intense thundery downpours. Despite the occasional unsettled spell, last month was warmer than average.

The days following the public holiday on the 15th lived up to their expectation of bringing to our shores some rain-bearing clouds. What started as a zone of instability over Sicily quickly spread south across the central Mediterranean. Two separate thunderstorms struck parts of the Maltese Islands; one in the afternoon hours of the 16th and another in the predawn hours of the 17th. Whilst only a measly 0.5 mm of rain was measured by our weather station in Gozo, several other localities registered greater rainfall amounts. Siġġiewi and Żurrieq, for instance, measured 56.4 mm and 42.2 mm respectively. Other localities around Malta recieved half an inch of rainfall. Gozo was less affected. The second thunderstorm, which struck in the dark hours, produced a beautiful display of lightning. On a separate occasion, southerly currents on the 29th brought with them overcast skies, a trace of rainfall and a dusting of desert sand.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in August 2025 (and since last September 1st):

Kerċem: 0.5 mm (503.9 mm)

Victoria: 0.7 mm (521.0 mm)

Marsalforn: 0.0 mm (433.2 mm)

Xewkija: 0.0 mm (371.3 mm)

Nadur: 0.3 mm (484.6 mm)

Għajnsielem: 0.0 mm (421.0 mm)

Mellieħa: 6.4 mm (382.2 mm)

Buġibba: 8.9 mm (378.8 mm)

Mġarr: 18.5 mm (468.5 mm)

Naxxar: 16.0 mm (482.6 mm)

Mosta: 9.2 mm (469.4 mm)

Dingli: 0.0 mm (569.3 mm)

Pembroke: 11.4 mm (503.2 mm)

Msida: 24.7 mm (572.5 mm)

Sliema: 12.7 mm (462.3 mm)

Valletta: 20.0 mm (477.8 mm)

Fgura: 8.1 mm (555.5 mm)

Żejtun: 1.0 mm (500.2 mm)

Żabbar: 1.6 mm (553.8 mm)

Imqabba: 16.5 mm (545.6 mm)

Siġġiewi: 56.4 mm (542.1 mm)

Żurrieq: 42.2 mm (515.6 mm)

Marsaxlokk: 4.6 mm (388.4 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 10.9 mm (480.1 mm)

End of Month Reports

Cooler Days but Warmer Nights in July 2025

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 37.7°C 25th
Lowest Maximum 27.1°C 27th
Highest Minimum 26.1°C 8th
Lowest Minimum 21.2°C 12th

 

Mean Maximum 30.9°C
Mean Minimum 23.6°C
Mean 27.3°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 96% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 18% 24th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 77.4%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 48.3km/h 27th

 

Mean Wind Speed 10.7km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1020.2hPa 13th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1010.1hPa 28th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.1hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During July 2025 0.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 503.4 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total / /

 

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

 

July 2025 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean July 2025 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 31.6°C 30.9°C  -0.7°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 22.5°C 23.6°C +1.1°C
Mean Temperature 27.0°C 27.3°C +0.3°C
Mean Relative Humidity 70.2% 77.4% +7.2%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.6hPa 1014.1hPa -0.5hPa
Total Rainfall 0.2 mm 0.0 mm -0.2 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 514.7 mm 503.4 mm -11.3 mm
Total Rain Days 0 days 0 days /
Total Thunderstorm Days 0 days 0 days /
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Cooler Days but Warmer Nights in July 2025

Other than two heat spells; one towards the beginning and another towards the end, July was relatively merciful. The mean temperature last month was only 0.3°C above the climate norm of 27.0°C. Whilst the mean maximum temperature of 30.9°C was  0.7°C cooler than the norm, July’s mean minimum temperature of 23.6°C was 1.1°C warmer than average. This could be due to an elevated relative humidity. Levels of humidity averaged at 77.4%, a significant 7.2% over the climate norm. Elevated humidity prevents temperatures from shooting up during the day, but keeps them from cooling down at night. Despite the cooler maximum temperatures overall, real feels were generally uncomfortable, once again owing to the humidity levels. The main contributor to the greater humidity was the very warm sea. A downpour across parts of the Maltese Islands on the eve of summer solstice was also a contributing factor. Outbreaks of days with a breezy Northwesterly wind also ensured that temperatures didn’t get too hot for too long. The hottest day last month was the 25th, with the thermometers marking 37.7°C. Overall, values were typical of what one would expect from a Maltese summer.

July 2024 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.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in July 2025 (and since last September 1st):

Kerċem: 0.0 mm (503.4 mm)

Victoria: 0.0 mm (520.3 mm)

Marsalforn: 0.0 mm (433.2 mm)

Xewkija: 0.0 mm (371.3 mm)

Nadur: 0.0 mm (484.3 mm)

Għajnsielem: 0.0 mm (421.0 mm)

Mellieħa: 0.0 mm (375.8 mm)

Buġibba: 0.0 mm (369.9 mm)

Mġarr: 0.0 mm (450.0 mm)

Naxxar: 0.0 mm (466.6 mm)

Mosta: 0.0 mm (460.2 mm)

Dingli: 0.0 mm (569.3 mm)

Pembroke: 0.0 mm (491.8 mm)

Msida: 0.0 mm (547.8 mm)

Sliema: 0.0 mm (449.6 mm)

Valletta: 0.0 mm (457.8 mm)

Fgura: 0.0 mm (547.4 mm)

Żejtun: 0.0 mm (499.2 mm)

Żabbar: 0.0 mm (552.2 mm)

Imqabba: 0.0 mm (529.1 mm)

Siġġiewi: 0.0 mm (485.7 mm)

Żurrieq: 0.0 mm (473.4 mm)

Marsaxlokk: 0.0 mm (383.8 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 0.0 mm (469.2 mm)

End of Month Reports

Warmer than Average in June 2025

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 32.8°C 29th
Lowest Maximum 24.3°C 2nd
Highest Minimum 24.9°C 27th
Lowest Minimum 14.6°C 1st

 

Mean Maximum 30.1°C
Mean Minimum 20.8°C
Mean 25.4°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 95% 20th
Lowest Relative Humidity 19% 6th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 71.9%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 37.0km/h 4th

 

Mean Wind Speed 5.8km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction West Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1023.4hPa 2nd
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1014.4hPa 11th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.8hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During June 2025 22.5 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 503.4 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 22.5 mm 20th

 

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

 

Rainfall Events

20/6/2025 22.5 mm P.M. Downpours

 

June 2025 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean June 2025 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 28.5°C 30.1°C  +1.6°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 19.8°C 20.8°C +1.0°C
Mean Temperature 24.2°C 25.4°C +1.2°C
Mean Relative Humidity 70.5% 71.9% +1.4%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.1hPa 1017.8hPa +2.7hPa
Total Rainfall 4.1 mm 22.5 mm +18.4 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 518.6 mm 503.4 mm -15.2 mm
Total Rain Days 1 day 1 day /
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 0 days -1 day
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

 

Warmer than Average in June 2025

 June was off to a comfortable start. This lasted only briefly, however, as the heat of summer quickly turned up on the 7th. From then on, temperatures were above the climatic norm of 24.2°C on 23 days out of 24. The single cooler day was the 20th, a day which brought a series of afternoon downpours to parts of the Maltese Islands, the heaviest of which struck Gozo. The 29th, a Sunday, was the warmest day last month. The temperature peaked at 32.8°C on the day. For comparison, the mean maximum temperature for June is of 28.5°C. The pre-dawn hours of the 1st day of the month were the coolest, with a minimum temperature of 14.6°C. June’s climatic mean minimum temperature of 19.8°C was exceeded by a total of 21 out of 30 nights.

Large swathes of western Europe were affected by a particularly intense heat wave, with temperature values regularly in the upper 40°Cs across Spain and Portugal. In addition to this, the entire Mediterranean basin experienced an incredible lack of wind, widespread calm sea and uninterrupted blazing sunshine for much of June. This means that transfer of heat from the Sun to the sea surface is uninterrupted. The lack of wind and waves means that the sea isn’t mixing. This leads to a build-up of heat in the topmost layer of the sea. When the sea warms up too much, marine ecosystems are negatively impacted. Several marine species are not adapted to the warmer waters and therefore will suffer from poor health if not die. The lifecycle of numerous marine species goes haywire, especially where reproduction is concerned. Furthermore, marine ecosystems (especially those in shallower waters) experience a degree of degradation. The rates of oxygen dissolved in the water will also vary more widely. Finally, some alien species find it easier to spread in warmer waters, threatening the existence of more indigenous marine life. A very high sea surface temperature inhibits nighttime cooling in air temperatures. The high sea surface temperature will also contribute to increased rates of evaporation, which in turn, will lead to increased humidity. The more humid the air is, the warmer and clammier it will feel. Early and late mist or fog patches are also products of these increased levels of humidity.

June brought with it one day of rain. Rainfall was in the form of localized downpours, over the central and northern coasts of both Malta and Gozo. Surprisingly, Gozo received the heaviest rainfall. Being the larger island, it is Malta that normally receives the most rainfall from these downpours. These clouds develop thanks to the vertical movement of columns of warm and humid air on sunny days and when the upper levels of the atmosphere are unstable due to the incursion of cold air from northern Europe. This is a process caused when the cold air in the upper levels of the atmosphere contrasts with the ground that has been well heated by the sun locally. This movement encourages the condensation of water vapor in this air and thus the formation of clouds. These showers, which affected only localized areas, lasted for a long while. Victoria, in Gozo, recorded up to 26.9 mm on that day. The national mean for the day, and also the month, was of 3.2 mm.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in June 2025 (and since last September 1st):

Kerċem: 22.5 mm (503.4 mm)

Victoria: 26.9 mm (520.3 mm)

Marsalforn: 1.4 mm (433.2 mm)

Xewkija: 8.8 mm (371.3 mm)

Nadur: 1.2 mm (484.3 mm)

Għajnsielem: 0.0 mm (421.0 mm)

Mellieħa: 0.0 mm (375.8 mm)

Buġibba: 0.0 mm (369.9 mm)

Mġarr: 0.0 mm (450.0 mm)

Naxxar: 6.6 mm (466.6 mm)

Mosta: 0.8 mm (460.2 mm)

Dingli: 0.0 mm (569.3 mm)

Pembroke: 6.2 mm (491.8 mm)

Msida: 1.5 mm (547.8 mm)

Sliema: 1.2 mm (449.6 mm)

Valletta: 0.0 mm (457.8 mm)

Fgura: 0.0 mm (547.4 mm)

Żejtun: 0.0 mm (499.2 mm)

Żabbar: 0.0 mm (552.2 mm)

Imqabba: 0.0 mm (529.1 mm)

Siġġiewi: 0.0 mm (485.7 mm)

Żurrieq: 0.0 mm (473.4 mm)

Marsaxlokk: 0.0 mm (383.8 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 3.2 mm (469.2 mm)

 

End of Month Reports

Warmer but Wetter than Average in May 2025

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 28.6°C 20th
Lowest Maximum 21.3°C 16th
Highest Minimum 20.2°C 20th
Lowest Minimum 12.2°C 3rd

Mean Maximum 24.1°C
Mean Minimum 17.0°C
Mean 20.5°C

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 97% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 29% 3rd

Mean Relative Humidity 79.0%

Wind

Highest Gust 51.5km/h 15th

Mean Wind Speed 11.8km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1022.7hPa 18th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1002.5hPa 15th

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.2hPa

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During May 2025 35.3 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 480.9 mm

Highest 24 Hour Total 29.0 mm 15th

Rain Days 5 days
Thunderstorm Days 3 days
Hail Days 0 days

Rainfall Events

6/5/2025 1.4 mm A.M. Thunderstorms
9/5/2025 2.8 mm Thunderstorm
15/5/2025 29.0 mm Showers; Distant Thunder; P.M. Thunderstorm
16/5/2025 0.3 mm A.M. Isolated Shower
25/5/2025 1.8 mm A.M. Isolated Showers

May 2025 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean May 2025 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 23.9°C 24.1°C  +0.2°C  
Mean Minimum Temperature 15.9°C 17.0°C +1.1°C 
Mean Temperature 19.9°C 20.5°C +0.6°C 
Mean Relative Humidity 74.5% 79.0% +4.5% 
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.9hPa 1015.2hPa -0.7hPa 
Total Rainfall 9.8 mm 35.3 mm +25.5 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 514.5 mm 480.9 mm -33.6 mm
Total Rain Days 4 days 5 days +1 day
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 3 days +2 days
Total Hail Days 0 days 0 days /

Warmer but Wetter than Average in May 2025

May was a mixed bag of spring weather. As spring settled in across the Maltese Islands, May was characterized by a mix of pleasant weather and occasional instability, including a day of intense thundery downpours. Despite the occasional unsettled spell, last month was warmer than average.

35.3 mm of rain was recorded at our weather station in May. The national mean was around this value too. This was almost four times the climate norm. There were five days with rain over the course of the month. One of them accounted for the vast majority of this rainfall: a staggering 29 mm of it. This was from a series of thundery downpours which affected all of the Maltese Islands on the 15th. The 15th also accounted for the month’s highest wind gust. That day was characterized by a near gale from the South Southeast. The remaining rainy days brought elevated thunderstorms with lots of loud thunder but modest rainfall accumulations. Copious amounts of fine desert sand were deposited by the lighter thunderstorms.

May’s mean temperature of 20.528 was just over half a degree warmer than the climate norm. While daytime temperatures were only marginally warmer than average, nights were warmer by just over a degree. The warmest day and night were those of the 28th with a maximum and minimum of  28.6°C and 20.2°C respectively. The coldest night came earlier in the month, on the 3rd April, with a minimum temperature of 12.2°C on a calm and clear night.

Levels of relative humidity were also noticeably elevated at 79.0%; owing to the wetter than average conditions.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in May 2025 (and since last September 1st): 

Kerċem: 35.3 mm (480.9 mm)

Victoria: 24.4 mm (493.4 mm)

Marsalforn: 29.1 mm (431.8 mm)

Xewkija: 31.3 mm (362.5 mm)

Nadur: 32.3 mm (483.1 mm)

Għajnsielem: 25.9 mm (421.0 mm)

Mellieħa: 35.2 mm (375.8 mm)

Buġibba: 36.6 mm (369.9 mm)

Mġarr: 33.9 mm (450.0 mm)

Naxxar: 32.3 mm (460.0 mm)

Mosta: 35.4 mm (459.4 mm)

Dingli: 36.1 mm (569.3 mm)

Pembroke: 38.9 mm (485.4 mm)

Msida: 36.9 mm (546.3 mm)

Sliema: 36.1 mm (448.4 mm)

Valletta: 32.8 mm (457.8 mm)

Fgura: 45.0 mm (547.4 mm)

Żejtun: 38.8 mm (499.2 mm)

Żabbar: 37.1 mm (552.2 mm)

Imqabba: 40.9 mm (529.1 mm)

Siġġiewi: 41.9 mm (485.7 mm)

Żurrieq: 29.3 mm (473.4 mm)

Marsaxlokk: 28.8 mm (383.8 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 34.2 mm (466.0 mm)

End of Month Reports

April 2025 Ends on a Thundery Note

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 25.9°C 16th
Lowest Maximum 16.3°C 1st
Highest Minimum 17.3°C 15th
Lowest Minimum 8.3°C 3rd

 

Mean Maximum 20.2°C
Mean Minimum 12.9°C
Mean 16.5°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 96% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 40% 20th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 79.9%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 46.7km/h 15th and 16th

 

Mean Wind Speed 10.1km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1023.3hPa 9th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1000.9hPa 1st

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1015.5hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During April 2025 32.3 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 445.6 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 31.1 mm 29th

 

Rain Days 3 days
Thunderstorm Days 2 days
Hail Days 1 day

 

Rainfall Events

1/5/2025 0.9 mm Isolated Shower; Distant Thunderstorms
7/5/2025 0.3 mm A.M. Isolated Light Rain
29/5/2025 31.1 mm A.M. Thunderstorms with Hail

 

April 2025 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean April 2025 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 19.8°C 20.2°C  +0.4°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 13.0°C 12.9°C -0.1°C
Mean Temperature 16.4°C 16.5°C +0.1°C
Mean Relative Humidity 77.1% 79.9% +2.8%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.3hPa 1015.5hPa -0.8hPa
Total Rainfall 17.0 mm 32.3 mm +15.3 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 504.7 mm 445.6 mm -59.1 mm
Total Rain Days 6 days 3 days -3 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 1 day 2 days +1 day
Total Hail Days 0 days 1 day +1 day

 

April 2025 Ends on a Thundery Note

 

With a mean temperature of 16.5°C, temperatures in April were on par with the climate norm. Temperatures warmed up gradually as the month progressed, in typical springtime fashion.

With a national mean of 13.2 mm, rainfall was overall below the norm. In this case, simply looking at the national mean is extremely misleading. Whilst all localities in Malta featured rainfall values below the climate norm of 17.0 mm, all localities on the sister island of Gozo presented with rainfall totals well-above that. In fact, some localities registered double this! Having featured only a handful of showers over two separate days, April 2025 was relatively dry until the final few days. A zone of instability coupled with cold air aloft and an absence of wind at all levels of the atmosphere allowed for the formation of an area of thunderstorms around the central Mediterranean. Gozo was affected by a series of three thunderstorms in the hours between midnight and dawn on the 29th. The extreme west, southwest and south coasts of Malta were struck by one in the morning. This made for some very loud and frequent thunder which is more often synonymous with the autumn months. Hail was also observed in some localities. This meteorological event was probably the only one thing that stood out from an otherwise normal month.

Values for relative humidity, atmospheric pressure and wind showed marginal deviation from the climate norm; further confirming a typical April overall.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in April 2025 (and since last September 1st):

Kerċem: 32.3 mm (445.6 mm)

Victoria: 39.2 mm (469.0 mm)

Marsalforn: 34.5 mm (402.7 mm)

Xewkija: 29.3 mm (331.2 mm)

Nadur: 32.8 mm (450.8 mm)

Għajnsielem: 28.0 mm (395.1 mm)

Mellieħa: 8.2 mm (340.6 mm)

Buġibba: 3.1 mm (333.3 mm)

Mġarr: 4.6 mm (416.1 mm)

Naxxar: 2.3 mm (427.7 mm)

Mosta: 0.3 mm (424.0 mm)

Dingli: 0.6 mm (533.2 mm)

Pembroke: 9.2 mm (446.5 mm)

Msida: 6.6 mm (509.4 mm)

Sliema: 11.9 mm (412.3 mm)

Valletta: 9.2 mm (425.0 mm)

Fgura: 4.8 mm (502.4 mm)

Żejtun: 5.6 mm (460.4 mm)

Żabbar: 8.0 mm (515.1 mm)

Imqabba: 14.0 mm (488.2 mm)

Siġġiewi: 2.3 mm (443.8 mm)

Żurrieq: 9.5 mm (444.1 mm)

Marsaxlokk: 2.8 mm (355.0 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 13.2 mm (431.7 mm)

 

End of Month Reports

Warmer but Wetter in March 2025

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 26.8°C 23rd
Lowest Maximum 14.7°C 7th
Highest Minimum 16.8°C 23rd
Lowest Minimum 8.6°C 21st

 

Mean Maximum 18.8°C
Mean Minimum 12.7°C
Mean 15.8°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 97% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 40% 23rd

 

Mean Relative Humidity 81.4%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 59.5km/h 23rd

 

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

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1032.2hPa 20th
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1002.1hPa 12th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1014.9hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During March 2025 78.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 413.3 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 33.2 mm 7th

 

Rain Days 12 days
Thunderstorm Days 4 days
Hail Days 0 days

 

Rainfall Events

4/3/2025 6.4 mm A.M. Shower
5/3/2025 0.2 mm Isolated Light Rain
6/3/2025 0.5 mm Isolated Light Rain
7/3/2025 33.2 mm Continuous Rain
8/3/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Light Rain
23/3/2025 0.5 mm Isolated Light Rain with Dust
24/3/2025 TR mm Distant Isolated Light Rain with Dust
25/3/2025 8.5 mm A.M. Isolated Thunderstorm; Showers
26/3/2025 21.7 mm A.M. Steady Rain; Distant Thunder
27/3/2025 0.8 mm Isolated Thundery Showers
28/3/2025 1.6 mm Isolated Thundery Showers
29/3/2025 2.0 mm Isolated Showers
30/3/2025 2.6 mm Isolated Showers

 

March 2025 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean March 2025 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 17.1°C 18.9°C  +1.8°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 10.9°C 12.7°C +1.8°C
Mean Temperature 14.0°C 15.8°C +1.8°C
Mean Relative Humidity 78.1% 81.4% +3.3%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1017.3hPa 1014.9hPa -2.4hPa
Total Rainfall 40.3 mm 78.0 mm +37.7 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 487.7 mm 413.3 mm -74.4 mm
Total Rain Days 9 days 12 days +3 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 2 days 4 days +2 days
Total Hail Days 1 day 0 days -1 day

 

Warmer but Wetter in March 2025

A staggering 18 days were dominated by winds from the Southeasterly quadrant. Winds from these directions, referred to collectively as Scirocco are common in the springtime, but their dominance this March was greater than normal. In the transitional month of spring, a series of low pressure systems originate over northern Africa. Sciroccos occur in advance of a low pressure system moving eastward across the southern Mediterranean Sea or northern Africa. Air from high pressure over the Sahara Desert rushes in to fill this low pressure system. The rushing air manifests itself as a Scirocco. Their prevalence impacted the local weather in a number of ways.

At 15.8°C, mean temperatures were 1.8°C warmer than the norm. The difference from the mean for both maximum and minimum temperatures stood at the same value. The month’s warmest temperature was measured in the evening of the 23rd. Measured at 26.8°C, this was during one of several heat bursts. Starting soon after 18:30, the air temperature rose rapidly from around 16.9°C to 26.8°C in a space of just a few minutes. Levels of relative humidity also experienced a sharp drop, from a humid 92% to an extremely dry 40%, all in a gap of a few minutes. In typical heat burst fashion, the wind increased dramatically from a lull to gale-force in a matter of minutes. The behaviour of air pressure also revealed tell-tale signs of a heat burst. It climbed by 3hPa, from 1009.5hPa to 1012.5hPa, over the same time. This lasted for some time and occurred several times. That evening also accounted for the month’s highest wind gust of 59.5km/h.

Relative humidity stood at an uncomfortable level of 81.4% overall. Numerous days recorded means of above 90%.

March 2025 was the third month with more rainfall than average since September 1st and the second consecutive after February 2025. A total of 78.0 mm were measured at our weather station in Gozo. Spread over 12 days, this rainfall continued the recovery from a dry start to the rainfall year. The plentiful rainfall was the result of successive low-pressure systems from over north Africa. The bulk came from two of these; one during the first week of the month and another towards its end.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in March 2025 (and since last September 1st):

Kerċem: 78.0 mm (413.3 mm)

Victoria: 90.8 mm (429.8 mm)

Marsalforn: 81.4 mm (368.2 mm)

Xewkija: 69.8 mm (301.9 mm)

Nadur: 91.8 mm (418.0 mm)

Għajnsielem: 85.1 mm (367.1 mm)

Mellieħa: 74.3 mm (332.4 mm)

Buġibba: 70.2 mm (330.2 mm)

Mġarr: 80.4 mm (411.5 mm)

Naxxar: 74.1 mm (425.4 mm)

Mosta: 80.0 mm (423.7 mm)

Dingli: 100.7 mm (532.6 mm)

Pembroke: 88.1 mm (437.3 mm)

Msida: 77.5 mm (502.8 mm)

Sliema: 72.2 mm (400.4 mm)

Valletta: 64.7 mm (415.8 mm)

Fgura: 84.8 mm (497.6 mm)

Żejtun: 90.9 mm (454.8 mm)

Żabbar: 80.8 mm (507.1 mm)

Imqabba: 89.9 mm (474.2 mm)

Siġġiewi: 82.3 mm (441.5 mm)

Żurrieq: 88.1 mm (434.6 mm)

Marsaxlokk: 66.3 mm (352.2 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 80.4 mm (418.5 mm)

End of Month Reports

February 2025 – Rainfall Totals Bounce Back

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 19.6°C 13th
Lowest Maximum 14.9°C 10th
Highest Minimum 13.2°C 1st
Lowest Minimum 5.8°C 23rd

 

Mean Maximum 17.1°C
Mean Minimum 10.0°C
Mean 13.5°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 95% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 58% 22nd

 

Mean Relative Humidity 83.6%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 45.1km/h 16th

 

Mean Wind Speed 7.9km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction East Southeast

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1031.3hPa 23rd
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.4hPa 16th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1022.0hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During February 2025 66.0 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 335.3 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 21.6 mm 9th

 

Rain Days 12 days
Thunderstorm Days 3 days
Hail Days 1 day

 

Rainfall Events

3/2/2025 0.5 mm Isolated Showers; Distant Thunder and Hail
5/2/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Light Rain
6/2/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Light Rain
7/2/2025 8.0 mm Rain Showers
8/2/2025 15.7 mm Rain Showers
9/2/2025 21.6 mm Steady Rain; Thunderstorm
10/2/2025 6.3 mm Rain Showers
14/2/2025 0.0 mm Distant Hailstorm with Large Hail
15/2/2025 2.3 mm Rain Showers
16/2/2025 0.5 mm Isolated Showers
19/2/2025 0.6 mm P.M. Isolated Showers
20/2/2025 4.2 mm A.M. Showers; Distant Steady Heavy Rain
22/2/2025 1.3 mm A.M. Isolated Shower
26/2/2025 2.1 mm P.M. Light Rain; Showers; Distant Thunder
27/2/2025 2.9 mm Showers; Distant Hail

 

February 2025 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean February 2025 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 15.6°C 17.1°C  +1.5°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 9.7°C 10.0°C +0.3°C
Mean Temperature 12.7°C 13.5°C +0.8°C
Mean Relative Humidity 78.3% 83.6% -5.3%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1020.2hPa 1022.0hPa +1.8hPa
Total Rainfall 61.9 mm 66.0 mm +4.1 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 447.4 mm 335.3 mm -112.1 mm
Total Rain Days 11 days 12 days +1 day
Total Thunderstorm Days 3 days 3 days /
Total Hail Days 2 days 1 day -1 day

 

February 2025 – Rainfall Totals Bounce Back

The 66.0 mm of precipitation measured at our weather station in Gozo was marginally above the climate norm for February. Whilst all corners of the Maltese Islands registered a wetter than average February 2025, it was the island of Malta which benefitted most from the rainfall recovery. Localities in Malta received approximately 103.2 mm over the course of February 2025. Gozitan localities, on the other hand, received only 65.2 mm. This was due to the fact that most rain-bearing systems came to our islands with easterly currents. These affect Malta far more than Gozo. A case in point was the 20th. Maltese localities experienced continuous heavy rain in the morning. Gozo only received a few showers. More than half of all days last month; 15 in total, registered rainfall. The highlight was a hailstorm with large hailstones over the southern half of Malta, particularly Birżebbuġa and Għaxaq, on Valentine’s Day. February was the second wetter than average since last September 1st, along with February.

Temperatures were significantly warmer than average, particularly during the day. The mean maximum temperature of 17.1°C exceeded the norm by 1.5°C. Overall temperatures were  0.8°C above typical values for the time of year. Temperatures in winter depend on the so-called polar vortex. This is a circulation of very cold air in the Arctic. This winter we’ve seen the polar vortex assume a stronger and more compact structure, leading to cold air remaining locked up and restricted to polar areas. It was so strong, in fact, that the temperature at the level of 30,000 above the Arctic dropped to -90°C (the coldest for the past 40 years). This state of affairs is being maintained for now. When that happens, low pressure systems from over the Sahara Desert can reach us more freely, together with more frequent southeasterly winds and warmer than average temperatures. The difference from the climate norm with minimum temperatures was of only 0.3°C. This was thanks to a number of chilly nights brought about by numerous calm and clear nights, the coldest of which was the dawn of the 23rd when the mercury dipped to 5.8°C!

Winds were weaker than normal, with less gales than normal. Atmospheric pressure averaged 1022hPa. This is stronger than normal.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in February 2025 (and since last September 1st):

Kerċem: 66.0 mm (335.3 mm)

Victoria: 66.1 mm (339.0 mm)

Marsalforn: 63.7 mm (286.8 mm)

Xewkija: 58.6 mm (232.1 mm)

Nadur: 70.3 mm (326.2 mm)

Għajnsielem: 66.4 mm (282.0 mm)

Mellieħa: 64.6 mm (258.1 mm)

Buġibba: 77.1 mm (260.0 mm)

Mġarr: 104.7 mm (331.1 mm)

Naxxar: 98.6 mm (351.3 mm)

Mosta: 95.9 mm (343.7 mm)

Dingli: 132.4 mm (431.9 mm)

Pembroke: 100.8 (349.2 mm)

Msida: 109.6 mm (425.3 mm)

Sliema: 87.7 mm (328.2 mm)

Valletta: 103.1 mm (351.1 mm)

Fgura: 108.2 mm (412.8 mm)

Żejtun: 115.0 mm (363.9 mm)

Żabbar: 151.6 mm (426.3 mm)

Imqabba: 102.0 mm (384.3 mm)

Siġġiewi: 115.7 mm (359.2 mm)

Żurrieq: 99.8 mm (346.5 mm)

Marsaxlokk: 86.7 mm (285.9 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 91.9 mm (338.2 mm)

End of Month Reports

Springtime Temperatures in January 2025

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 19.5°C 26th
Lowest Maximum 12.9°C 14th
Highest Minimum 14.7°C 10th
Lowest Minimum 5.6°C 16th

 

Mean Maximum 17.5°C
Mean Minimum 11.7°C
Mean 14.6°C

 

Relative Humidity

Highest Relative Humidity 94% Numerous days
Lowest Relative Humidity 57% 18th

 

Mean Relative Humidity 81.7%

 

Wind

Highest Gust 53.1km/h 17th

 

Mean Wind Speed 11.1km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1031.4hPa 1st
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 1008.4hPa 12th

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1020.1hPa

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During January 2025 52.8 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 269.3 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 12.3 mm 13th

 

Rain Days 8 days
Thunderstorm Days 3 days
Hail Days 1 day

 

Rainfall Events

2/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Light Rain
3/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
4/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
8/1/2025 0.8 mm Light Rain
12/1/2025 3.5 mm A.M. Shower
13/1/2025 12.3 mm P.M. Heavy Rain
14/1/2025 10.1 mm Showers; Distant Thunder
15/1/2025 1.0 mm P.M. Shower
16/1/2025 6.2 mm A.M. Isolated Shower; P.M. Steady Rain
17/1/2025 10.2 mm A.M. Steady Rain; P.M. Thunderstorm with Hail
18/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Light Rain
20/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
21/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
29/1/2025 8.7 mm Light to Moderate Rain; Distant Thunder
30/1/2025 0.0 mm Distant A.M. Light Rain

 

January 2025 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean January 2025 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 15.6°C 17.5°C  +1.9°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 10.1°C 11.7°C +1.6°C
Mean Temperature 12.8°C 14.6°C +1.8°C
Mean Relative Humidity 78.4% 81.7% +3.3%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1021.7hPa 1020.1hPa -1.6hPa
Total Rainfall 69.4 mm 52.8 mm -16.6 mm
Total Rainfall Since Last 01/09 385.5 mm 269.3 mm -116.2 mm
Total Rain Days 14 days 8 days -6 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 4 days 3 days -2 days
Total Hail Days 2 days 1 day -2 day

 

Springtime Temperatures in January 2025

Almost half of all days (15) last January were characterized by at least one shower over one area or another of the Maltese Islands. Rain was measured at our weather station on eight of these. Thunder was heard on three of these while hail was recorded once. Despite these days of rain, January’s total precipitation of 63.0 mm was less than the value for a typical January. The total rainfall at our weather station was at an even lower 52.8 mm.

Apart from being drier than the climate norm, the month was also warmer than expected at this time of year. In fact, it was among the warmest Januarys ever. The mean temperature of 14.6°C exceeded the climate average by 1.8°C. This comprised a mean maximum temperature of 17.5°C (1.9°C warmer than average) and a mean minimum temperature of 11.7°C (1.6°C warmer than average). These temperatures are more typical of Easter time rather than the peak of winter! The maximum temperature of 19.5°C on January 26th was far from breaking absolute temperature records, however. A calm and clear night on the 16th accounted for the month’s coldest minimum temperature of 5.6°C.

Rainfall Totals around the Maltese Islands in January 2025 (and since last September 1st):

Kerċem: 52.8 mm (269.3 mm)

Victoria: 52.2 mm (272.9 mm)

Marsalforn: 51.5 mm (223.1 mm)

Xewkija: 55.7 mm (173.5 mm)

Nadur: 51.6 mm (255.9 mm)

Għajnsielem: 67.5 mm (215.6 mm)

Mellieħa: 67.0 mm (193.5 mm)

Buġibba: 52.6 mm (182.9 mm)

Mġarr: 70.1 mm (226.4 mm)

Naxxar: 68.1 mm (252.7 mm)

Mosta: 62.0 mm (247.8 mm)

Dingli: 101.1 mm (299.5 mm)

Pembroke: 64.0 mm (248.2 mm)

Msida: 75.3 mm (315.7 mm)

Sliema: 68.4 mm (240.5 mm)

Valletta: 61.6 mm (248.0 mm)

Fgura: 72.1 mm (304.6 mm)

Żejtun: 53.7 mm (248.9 mm)

Żabbar: 62.5 mm (274.7 mm)

Imqabba: 80.9 mm (282.3 mm)

Siġġiewi: 68.2 mm (243.5 mm)

Żurrieq: 63.2 mm (246.7 mm)

Marsaxlokk: 47.4 mm (199.2 mm)

NATIONAL MEAN: 63.0 mm (246.3 mm)

End of Year Reports

2024: Dominated by Drier and Warmer than Average Weather

Air Temperature

Highest Maximum 36.2°C 19th July 2024
Lowest Maximum 13.2°C 24th + 25th December 2024
Highest Minimum 26.9°C 4th September 2024
Lowest Minimum 5.2°C 23rd January 2024

 

Mean Maximum 23.6°C
Mean Minimum 16.7°C
Mean 20.1°C

 

Relative Humidity

Mean Relative Humidity 77.8%

 

Atmospheric Pressure

Highest Atmospheric Pressure 1035.1hPa 24th November 2024
Lowest Atmospheric Pressure 999.2hPa 27th March 2024

 

Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.8hPa

 

 

Wind

Highest Gust 62.8 km/h (Force 8) 24th December 2024

 

Mean Wind Speed 10.3 km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction Northwest

 

Precipitation

Total Rainfall During 2024 366.5 mm

 

Highest 24 Hour Total 33.1 mm 11th November 2024

 

Rain Days 69 days
Thunderstorm Days 25 days
Hail Days 10 days

 

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
02/02/2024 0.3 mm P.M. Light Rain
03/02/2024 0.3 mm A.M. Light Rain
11/02/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain; Hailstorm in Malta
12/02/2024 0.2 mm Light Rain
13/02/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain
20/02/2024 0.8 mm Light Rain
21/02/2024 21.4 mm A.M. Rainy; Isolated Showers
25/02/2024 23.3 mm A.M. Rain; Thunderstorms
29/02/2024 3.3 mm Thunderstorm; Localised Hail
01/03/2024 7.5 mm Showers with Hail
02/03/2024 0.0 mm Distant Showers
04/03/2024 3.3 mm Showers
05/03/2024 0.0 mm Distant Showers
11/03/2024 0.0 mm Haze
19/03/2024 0.0 mm Dense Fog
22/03/2024 0.0 mm Dense Fog
26/03/2024 0.5 mm Light Rain; Widespread Dust
27/03/2024 0.0 mm Widespread Dust
28/03/2024 0.0 mm Widespread Dust
29/03/2024 0.0 mm Widespread Dust
09/04/2024 0.0 mm Mist
16/04/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain; Distant Thunderstorm
19/04/2024 0.5 mm Light Rain
24/04/2024 10.4 mm Steady Light/Moderate Rain
01/05/2024 3.3 mm Thunderstorm
08/05/2024 8.5 mm Rainy
09/05/2024 0.5 mm Light Rain
11/05/2024 0.0 mm Haze
15/05/2024 TR mm Drops of Rain
16/05/2024 TR mm Drops of Rain
17/05/2024 TR mm Drops of Rain
19/05/2024 1.4 mm Light Thunderstorm
20/05/2024 0.0 mm Haze; Widespread Dust
21/05/2024 0.0 mm Haze; Widespread Dust
04/06/2024 0.5 mm A.M. Light Thunderstorm; Light Rain
05/06/2024 0.3 mm A.M. Light Rain; Distant Thunderstorm
08/06/2024 0.3 mm A.M. Light Rain
08/07/2024 0.0 mm Mist
14/07/2024 0.0 mm Fog
29/07/2024 0.0 mm Mist
22/08/2024 0.0 mm Għarixa; Distant Showers
28/08/2024 6.6 mm Isolated Thunderstorms with Hail; P.M. Thunderstorm
29/08/2024 0.0 mm Distant A.M. Showers
09/09/2024 3.8 mm Isolated Showers
13/09/2024 2.5 mm Light Rain
17/09/2024 4.0 mm Light Ran
18/09/2024 0.8 mm Light Rain; Distant Thunder
19/09/2024 0.0 mm Distant P.M. Downpour
20/09/2024 9.1 mm Showers; Distant Thunderstorm with Hail
21/09/2024 0.5 mm Light Rain
23/09/2024 7.6 mm Showers
24/09/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain
25/09/2024 0.8 mm Light Rain
26/09/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain
18/10/2024 0.5 mm Light Rain Shower
19/10/2024 22.4 mm Thunderstorm
22/10/2024 1.0 mm Light Rain Shower; Distant Thunderstorm
06/11/2024 0.0 mm Distant Localized Shower
07/11/2024 0.5 mm A.M. Light Rain; Distant P.M. Steady Rain
08/11/2024 20.3 mm A.M. Steady Rain; Isolated Thunderstorms
09/11/2024 20.5 mm A.M. Heavy Rain Showers
10/11/2024 18.3 mm Heavy Rain Showers; Isolated Thunderstorms
11/11/2024 33.1 mm Heavy Rain; Isolated Thunderstorms
12/11/2024 22.2 mm Heavy Rain Showers; Isolated Thunderstorms
13/11/2024 3.3 mm A.M. Isolated Showers
15/11/2024 2.6 mm A.M. Isolated Thunderstorms
21/11/2024 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
27/11/2024 0.2 mm Isolated Light Rain; Distant Isolated Showers
29/11/2024 0.0 mm Distant P.M. Isolated Showers
30/11/2024 10.3 mm Showers; Distant Isolated Thunderstorms
01/12/2024 TR mm Isolated Light Rain
03/12/2024 1.8 mm P.M. Isolated Thunderstorm
04/12/2024 5.9 mm A.M. and P.M. Isolated Thunderstorm
05/12/2024 3.4 mm Isolated Showers; Distant A.M. and P.M. Hailstorms
06/12/2024 0.0 mm Distant Isolated Showers
07/12/2024 0.8 mm Isolated Light Rain; Distant Isolated Showers
08/12/2024 0.5 mm Isolated Light Rain; Distant Isolated Showers
15/12/2024 3.9 mm P.M. Rain/Hail Showers; Distant Thunder
16/12/2024 0.5 mm A.M. Light Rain; Distant Thundery Rain/Hail Showers
20/12/2024 0.3 mm Isolated Showers
21/12/2024 0.2 mm Isolated Showers
22/12/2024 0.5 mm Isolated Showers
23/12/2024 3.3 mm Isolated Showers with Hail; Distant Hailstorms and Thunder
24/12/2024 0.3 mm Light Rain; Distant Isolated Showers
25/12/2024 0.0 mm Distant P.M. Isolated Showers
26/12/2024 1.9 mm P.M. Isolated Showers
27/12/2024 8.5 mm A.M. Isolated Showers
28/12/2024 0.0 mm Distant Light Rain
30/12/2024 TR mm Dew

 

2024 Compared to the Climate Means

  Climate Mean 2024 Anomaly
Mean Maximum Temperature 22.9°C 23.6°C +0.7°C
Mean Minimum Temperature 16.0°C 16.7°C +0.7°C
Mean Temperature 19.5°C 20.2°C +0.7°C
Mean Relative Humidity 75.7% 77.8% +2.1%
Mean Atmospheric Pressure 1016.5hPa 1016.8hPa +0.3hPa
Mean Wind Speed 14.1 km/h 10.3 km/h -3.8 km/h
Most Frequent Wind Direction West Northwest Northwest +22.5°
Total Rainfall 531.4 mm 366.5 mm -164.9 mm
Total Rain Days 84 days 69 days -15 days
Total Thunderstorm Days 30 days 25 days -5 days
Total Hail Days 10 days 10 days /

 

Month-by-Month Summary for 2024

January 2024 – Warmer and Drier

February 2024 – Warmer and Drier

March 2024 – Warmer and Drier

April 2024 – Warmer and Drier

May 2024 – Warmer and Wetter

June 2024 – Colder and Drier

July 2024 – Warmer with Average Rainfall

August 2024 – Warmer and Drier

September 2024 – Warmer and Drier

October 2024 – Warmer and Drier

November 2024 – Warmer and Wetter

December 2024 – Warmer and Drier

 

2024: Dominated by Drier and Warmer than Average Weather 

A staggering eleven months of twelve were marked by warmer than average temperature. A total of nine months recorded less precipitation than normal. Counting July, a typically bone dry month, raises the tally of dry months to ten months.

Overall, 2024 was 0.7˚C warmer than the norm. Both the mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures surpassed the average by 0.7˚C. A late start to summer allowed June to be the year’s only month with temperatures below the average.

2024 was also the third consecutive year to register less rainfall than is expected. With a total of 366.5 mm, 2024 was also the driest year since 2016 and the second driest year since 2010. Total monthly rainfall exceeded the climate norm in two months; May and November. Being the third and final month of meteorological spring, May is typically dry and doesn’t take more than a single rainy day to meet the norm. November was the only month of the year to see the 100 mm mark being reached at our weather station. The highest 24-hour rainfall total was also very poor. An extremely inactive autumn meant that heavy rainfall events were very few and far between.

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. Apart from being drier than the climate norm, the month was also a full degree warmer than expected. Overall, February was a continuation of the long-standing warmer and drier than average trend set by all previous autumn and winter months. The third and final month of meteorological winter was marked by frequently changing meteorological conditions due to the passage of several areas of low pressure across our region. That month’s meteorological highlight, a hailstorm, struck central localities of Malta at around lunchtime on the 11th. This hailstorm coincided with the Sunday celebrations of Carnival. The hail was fairly large and abundant. The town of Mosta was particularly hard hit. March extended the trend of consecutive drier than average months to seven. The second half of the month was particularly warm, particularly due to a prevailing southerly wind. This blew desert sand from over the Sahara Desert towards our region. This sand led to widespread dense haze during Holy Week, from the 26th through to the 29th. April, the second month of meteorological spring, was characterized by changeable meteorological conditions. Temperatures fluctuated throughout the month. The opening day of the month, April Fool’s Day, was the month’s warmest day. The mercury soared to 28.3°C. Various localities across central Malta recorded values of around 30°C on that day. The month’s first few days led many to believe that an early summer was the cards for the Maltese Islands. This notion was short-lived. As a low-pressure system settled over the islands, the weather became increasingly windy and unstable. In fact, the second half of the month was largely dominated by instability; with mild temperatures, strong winds and also some showers being experienced. Warm temperatures in May were not complemented by bright sunshine and light winds. Airborne fine desert sand was present in the skies above the central Mediterranean on a total of 12 days. There were also 4 days with rain and 2 days with thunder. June 2024 was off to a rather bleak start. Light rain showers accompanied by loud thunder were observed on three days in the opening week. This was accompanied by temperatures well below the climate norm. Meteorological conditions took a more seasonal turn over the course of the second week, as summer slowly gained momentum. In fact, a very interesting feature in June was the persistence of airborne fine desert sand. A staggering 23 days were characterized by a thick blanket of haze from over north Africa. The fresher June temperatures continued into the first week of July. This came to an abrupt end around the 9th. A heat spell with sweltering temperatures lasted from the 9th through to the 22nd. This corresponded with a rapid rise in mean sea surface temperature. August 2024 lived up to the local saying “Awwissu x-xemx taħarqu u x-xita tmissu”. This is a local Maltese proverb describing August as being a very hot month, but also the month when we get the first rain. This was true, at least for some localities. The first two and a half weeks of the month lived up to their expectation of being the year’s hottest period. August 2024 was characterized by one main episode of instability and several localized showers. The day of the 28th saw isolated thunderstorms popping around the Maltese Islands. Referred to as “popcorn” or “pop-up” cells, these clouds formed spontaneously due to ground heating under an unstable atmosphere. This was followed by a more active thunderstorm in the evening. 3000 lightning strikes were registered across the central Mediterranean in two hours. The eighth month of the year, September, kicked off on a stifling note. Hot temperatures coupled with very high levels of humidity and a sticky southerly wind made conditions across the Maltese Islands very uncomfortable. This was brought to an end by outbreaks of instability which brought a series of showers, some of which included localized thunderstorms, to the central Mediterranean. Whilst most localities experienced moderate showers, a handful were affected by downpours. October brought generally dry warm weather to the Maltese Islands. This was the third consecutive year with a very dry October. It was also one of the driest on record. There was only one major rainfall event. After a day of near misses, an evening downpour on the 19th struck the northern half of Gozo with up to 70 mm in the villages of San Lawrenz and Għarb. Surrounding localities also received a decent share of rain. An extensive area of high pressure (anticyclone) prevailed over eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Troughs of low pressure (storm systems) remained stuck over the western Mediterranean and northwestern Europe. This helped maintain a persistent easterly air flow across the central Mediterranean. Apart from making October the second consecutive month with the South Southeast as the predominant wind direction, it ensured that warm air was constantly advected from regions of the Sahara towards the central Mediterranean.  November brought a long-standing pattern of drier than average months to an end. With a total of 131.3 mm of rainfall measured at our Gozo weather station, November 2024 was the first month since February 2023 to bring significant rainfall to our islands. This rain was spread over 10 days, with the vast majority of it falling in a cluster from the 8th till the 13th due to instability being locked over the central Mediterranean. Apart from a few days with light rain, the only other day with significant precipitation was the 30th. No extreme rainfall events were recorded, although some brief flooding was observed from a handful of downpours. December 2024 became the tenth consecutive drier-than-average December. Nationally, there were 18 days when at least one shower was measured in one part or another of the island. That is a staggering amount, when considering that rainfall totals were so poor. This is because rain came from isolated showers rather than extensive, widespread rain-bearing low pressure systems. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day shared the title for the lowest maximum temperature. At 13.2°C, it is also the lowest maximum temperature for the whole of 2024.