While rain is typically welcomed in Malta due to the island’s dry climate, one particular type of rain is far less popular – enter the dreaded ‘blood rain’. This phenomenon, forecast for Thursday, occurs when rain takes on a reddish hue, creating the dramatic illusion of ‘raining blood.’

The reddish tint is caused by fine particles of sand, dust, or other red-hued materials, like those from the Sahara Desert, being carried into the atmosphere by strong winds. When these particles mix with rain droplets, they tint the precipitation.

The southern winds expected on Thursday, aside from bringing warmer temperatures, are likely to transport such particles over Malta due to its proximity to the Sahara, making blood rain a somewhat frequent occurrence on the islands.

Despite its ominous name, blood rain is a natural and harmless event. However, it can be quite the inconvenience – particularly for anyone who has just washed their car or cleaned their windows, as the reddish residue left behind can be stubborn to remove!

Were you planning a car wash soon?