For 9 weeks during November and December an Anticyclone which formed over North Africa stood still over Malta.   Temperatures were raised for more than five degrees above average.  Winter broke in during early January as the anticyclone dissipated but now independent weather service forecasters www.firstmalta.com are stating that it seems that it is back and bringing warmer than average temperatures and higher humidity levels.  Latest computer simulations continue to indicate that an extended period of hotter than usual weather will continue to persist over Malta and Gozo.

Humidity levels are expected to peak to 87% next Monday 1 February, temperatures will reach 17 degrees Celsius later this week and feel even warmer both caused by the high level of humidity and also due to the practically negligible wind that we will experience starting from today.

Rain will also remain elusive, with just a few passing showers expected at night and precipitation might be nearly negligible.

Weather forecast for the week ahead

Thursday 28 January: Sunny, Highest temperature expected to rise to 17 degrees celsius, lowest at night 13. wind 5km/h South West force 1, Light.

Friday 29 January: Sunny with periods of cloudiness, Highest temperature expected to rise to 17 degrees celsius, lowest at night 12. wind 5km/h South in the morning veers North East force 1, Light in the afternoon.

Saturday 30 January: Sunny with periods of cloudiness, highest 16 degrees celsius, lowest 12.

Sunday 31 January: Sunny with periods of cloudiness, Maximum 17, minimum 12 at night. Expect a drop in Air Pressure from 1033hPa during the morning to 1028hPa at night, during the day generally suny and slightly cloudy in the afternoon might rain a bit in some areas during the night. Wind North west 16km/h Force 3 Gentle Breeze

Monday 1 February: Air pressure returns to 1032hPa, sunny and clear maximum temperature 17 minimum 12. Wind North west 16km/h Force 3 Gentle Breeze

Tuesday 2 February: Clear, High 17, Wind North west 16km/h Force 3 Gentle Breeze. Low 12 degrees Celsius

Wednesday 3 February: Clear, High 17, Wind North west 16km/h Force 3 Gentle Breeze. Low 12 degrees Celsius

Thursday 4 February: Sunny, Partially Cloudy, Clear, High 17, Wind North west 16km/h Force 3 Gentle Breeze. Low 12 degrees Celsius