Motorists were left to assess the damage to their cars as a heavy downpour hit the islands on the first day of summer.

Worst hit were owners of cars who parked their vehicle in Mriehel, where the road flooded as could be seen in photo below.

Once the waters subsided, many were seen assessing the damage and some cars needed to be towed away (photo below).

It’s quite unusual, but probably not unprecedented, that the first day of summer turns out to be a rainy day.

Summer is associated with hot days, but this year the days leading up to it have not been too summery, with strong winds hitting the islands on several occasions, coupled with rough seas that have spoiled the day for those who like early dip.

People in the central part of Malta, including Luqa, Qormi and Zebbug, have reported heavy rain in their locality. Other readers have called in to say that it has also rained in Sliema, St Julian's, San Gwann, Swieqi and Pembroke. Areas notorious for flooding such as Msida and Birkirkara have also been hit.

Whether this is the shape of things to come for the rest of summer remains to be seen – the people who love summer will certainly hope not.

The would love to know that, according to the Met Office forecast, it will be cloudy on Friday but from then onwards there will be days full of sunshine and rising temperatures.

Videos above: Maltese Roads and Trafffic Updates

Photos above: Alenka Falzon