Fields were left parched throughout this past year, as 2024 earned its place as the third driest year on the Malta Meteorological Office's records.
Every month recorded below-average rainfall. From January to December 2024, only 285.3 mm of rain was measured, 260 mm less than the 30-year average, the Met Office said Friday.
The only years drier than 2024 were 1947 (228.4 mm) and 1961 (274.2 mm).
A more detailed month-by-month analysis reveals that July was the driest month, remaining practically bone dry. On the other hand, November provided some much-needed relief to farmers, recording the highest amount of rainfall of the year, despite the total still falling slightly below the climatic norm. However, this was not enough for autumn to compensate for the summer drought, as the preceding month saw only 4.2 mm of rainfall, a staggering 73.6 mm below October's monthly quota.
In addition to the dry weather, above-average temperatures remained a constant throughout the year, with the only exception being December, when the average temperature matched the climatic norm. The past year also brought two heatwaves: the first arrived early, mid-May, and the second left the Maltese Islands sweltering in mid-June. However, the year's highest temperature was recorded in July when the mercury soared to 37.9°C.
The Meteorological Office said it issued multiple warnings during the summer months due to extreme temperatures. August was the hottest month of 2024, with an average temperature of 29.1°C, while January was the coldest, with an average temperature of 14.1°C.
Several days were also marked by strong winds, with the most frequent wind directions being from the West, West-Northwest, and West-Southwest. April was among the windiest months, with five days of gale-force winds recorded.
Photo: Ian Noel Pace