It seems like May 2020 is going out with a bang (no pun intended). After this week’s freak storm, waterspouts and a little bit of hail, it seems Mother Nature wants to add another thunderstorm to the list that could possibly hit Malta & Gozo today.
“The atmosphere above the Maltese Islands has been greatly unstable for much of this week. To our west, warm and moist air is rising towards Europe from north Africa. To our east, cold and dry air is descending towards north Africa from Europe. Our region has found itself caught in between this,” local weather site Maltese Islands Weather says.
“As a result, relatively cold air is constantly being brought over a warm central Mediterranean. This is creating a great deal of instability. The difference between the two will be more pronounced again on Saturday 30/05, leading to the formation of an upper-level low pressure system over our area. This will be strongest in the late afternoon across the stretch of sea between the Maltese Islands and Sicily.”
The increase in stability and vertical movement of warmer air rising causes “the moisture within to condense and form clouds. The day will start off with mainly fine weather. This will change rapidly, however, with clouds building up as the day progresses. These are expected to develop showers and isolated thunderstorms by the afternoon.” Yup, we’re staying indoors today.
“Most showers will remain out at sea, but some will move inland. Any showers may be heavy, thundery and/or with hail at times. The wind will increase ahead of and during any showers. Waterspouts are also likely to form at sea. Rainfall amounts should vary considerably, with some areas possibly remaining completely dry. The chance of rain will be highest from noon till midnight.”
You've been warned!