June in Malta usually means sunshine, sea swims, and the start of summer… but not on 4th June 2007!

Exactly 18 years ago, Malta experienced one of its most unusual weather events in recent memory. A series of localised thunderstorms swept across the islands, unloading huge amounts of rainfall in a very short time. Some areas recorded as much as 2 to 3 inches of rain (around 60mm) in just one day – an exceptional figure for June.

The downpour caused serious flooding, especially in low-lying areas, leaving several vehicles submerged and roads impassable. The Civil Protection Department had to intervene in multiple locations, helping people who were trapped by floodwaters. Meanwhile, Gozo remained largely untouched, missing the worst of the storm.

In a lucky coincidence, many people weren’t at work that day. The 4th of June marked a national holiday, as Malta celebrated the canonisation of Saint George Preca, the country’s first officially declared saint.

So while some were attending celebrations or enjoying a day off, others were bailing out water or dealing with traffic chaos brought on by the unexpected summer storm.

Do you remember that day?