UNSTABLE WEATHER AND STRONG WINDS TO CHARACTERISE CARNIVAL DAYS

The Carnival days, particularly Carnival Sunday and Monday, are expected to be characterised by rather unstable weather and strong winds, which are forecast to persist beyond today, Thursday 12th February.

At present, the Meteorological Office has a red weather warning (the highest level of warning) in force due to strong Northwesterly winds that may reach gale force (Force 8), especially over the exposed areas of the Maltese Islands. This warning will remain in force until 6am tomorrow, Friday 13th February.

DETAILED CARNIVAL FORECAST

Weather conditions during the first two days of celebrations, Friday 13th February and Saturday 14th February, are expected to be partly cloudy, with the possibility of isolated rain showers on Friday and Saturday night. However, weather that could significantly disrupt Carnival celebrations across the Maltese Islands is not expected.

Friday is expected to begin with strong West-Northwesterly winds reaching Force 7. As the day progresses, the wind will veer West-Southwesterly and ease to moderate to rather strong levels (Force 4 to 5). Winds are forecast to strengthen again on Saturday evening.

Over these two days, daytime temperatures will range between 18°C and 19°C, falling to around 13°C to 14°C during the evening hours.

Conditions are expected to become more unsettled on Carnival Sunday, with isolated showers that may be thundery. Northwesterly winds are forecast to strengthen to Force 6 to 7. Unstable conditions are also forecast to persist on Monday, with further showers expected throughout the day. Winds will remain rather strong to strong.

The final day of Carnival may be somewhat more favourable for enthusiasts and those wishing to enjoy the grand finale parade. For Tuesday 17th February, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy, although winds will remain rather strong to strong (Force 5 to 6), becoming strong (Force 6) from the West-Southwest later in the evening.

Strong Northwesterly winds are also expected to bring a drop in temperatures. Between Sunday and Tuesday, maximum temperatures are not expected to exceed 16°C, while evening temperatures may fall to around 11°C.

The Meteorological Office is expected to issue several wind warnings in the coming days. The public is encouraged to visit maltametoffice.com for the latest weather updates. Further information is also available on Instagram at @maltametoffice.

JANUARY WETTER AND WINDIER THAN AVERAGE

Storm Harry, which affected the Maltese Islands on 20th January, remains notable, but it was not the only storm that characterised the first month of the year. In fact, January was wetter and windier than the climatic norm. A total of 112.4 mm of rainfall was recorded during the month, which is 33.1 mm above the monthly average. Four thunderstorms affected the Maltese Islands during January, occurring on the 16th, 20th, 21st and 23rd of the month.

The average wind speed measured during January was 12.6 knots, 3.7 knots above the norm. Although Storm Harry brought strong winds, the strongest gust of the month was recorded on 10th January, reaching 53.3 knots from the west.

The average temperature for January was 14.9°C, higher than the climatic norm of 12.9°C. The highest temperature was recorded on 6th January at 19.7°C, while the coldest nights occurred on the 11^th and 12^th January, when temperatures dropped to 9.2°C.