After 100 days without significant rainfall, Malta’s countryside is facing far more than dry-looking landscapes. Beneath the surface, moisture levels in the upper layers of soil have fallen to extremely low levels, placing increasing stress on vegetation.

Established Mediterranean trees and shrubs have an advantage thanks to their extensive root systems, which allow them to search a larger volume of soil for remaining moisture. However, even mature plants can suffer after such a prolonged drought, with reduced growth, leaf loss and the shedding of some roots.

For younger plants, the situation is even more challenging. With smaller root systems, they have far less access to moisture while being exposed to the same heat, sunshine and evaporation.

As water becomes increasingly scarce, plants close the tiny openings in their leaves, known as stomata, to reduce water loss. This also limits photosynthesis and growth as plants shift their focus from growing to simply surviving.

Importantly, the eventual arrival of rain will not immediately reverse the effects of the drought. Dry soil can take time to absorb water, while stressed root systems need time to recover.

After 100 days, Malta’s countryside is not simply dry - it is a living ecosystem working hard to conserve every remaining drop.

Are you looking forward to the first rainfall in Malta?