The Maltese Islands are set to enjoy sunny and warm weather during Santa Maria celebrations this week, The Meteorological Office at the Malta International Airport said.
"The Meteorological Office has already issued a warning advising the public to take the necessary precautions too protect themselves from the anticipated high temperatures."
"Sunny skies are forecast for the 15th of August, with temperatures expected to peak at 35°C and drop to a low of 25°C; ideal conditions for the seven localities celebrating the feast of Santa Maria. The following day, the 16th of August, will be characterised by similar weather conditions, with temperatures set to climb by one degree. Although some high clouds may appear over the weekend, the weather will remain warm and dry, with no rain expected to interrupt the festivities.For the most accurate and detailed weather updates, the public is encouraged to visit maltairport.com/weather."
Drier and warmer-than-average conditions characterise the month of july
The Maltese Islands' rainfall deficit extended into July, with no precipitation and notably higher-than-average temperatures leaving fields parched, the meteorological office at the Malta International Airport said.
"In fact, the average temperature recorded in July was 28.5°C, which marks a 1.6°C rise over the monthly norm. Despite the intense heat and abundant sunshine that characterised the month, there were no heatwaves recorded in July. This was not the case last year, when a ten-day heatwave confirmed July 2023 as the hottest July on the Meteorological Office's records."
The hottest day of the month was the 21st of July, when the mercury peaked at 37.9°C. The record high for July remains 42.7°C, reached for the first time in 1988 and again last year. The lowest temperature of the month was 20.2°C, recorded on the 6th of July, it said.
"Throughout the sun-soaked month, the islands basked in 384 hours of sunshine, exceeding the monthly norm for July by 15 hours. The sea was also warmer than usual, with the average sea surface temperature reaching 26.9°C; nearly 2°C above the norm."