It should be a stormy weekend that precedes Christmas, according to the weather forecast on the MIA website.

And there should be thundery showers and a string wind on Christmas Eve, so anyone planning a dash for last-minute shopping should take this into consideration.

Christmas Day should, however, be just cloudy, so no plans should be spoilt.

Brace yourself for some cold nights too, by Maltese standards.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the lowest is forecast to be just seven degrees.

On Christmas Day, the highest is to be just 12 degrees, but it will feel like 10.

Force 6 and 7 winds are expected on Monday and Tuesday.