Earlier forecasts suggested the Maltese Islands would enjoy a hot and cloudy Santa Marija weekend this year. However, the latest updates, according to Maltese Islands Weather, indicate otherwise - the traditional għarixa ta’ Santa Marija will make its return.

On Friday 15th August, Malta celebrates the feast of Santa Marija, an occasion long associated with the development of lrge cumuliform clouds over the islands. These clouds, which typically appear in mid-August, are so characteristic that they’ve earned their own name in Maltese. The għarixa phenomenon occurs when bright, sunny days heat the ground while cooler air moves in at higher levels, creating unstable atmospheric conditions.

This year, a pool of cold air in the upper atmosphere will destabilise the central Mediterranean. Combined with light, variable winds and hot surface temperatures, this will encourage large clouds to develop, particularly over central Malta.

While most of the weekend will still feature sunny intervals, cloudy spells are now expected...and some may bring localised rainfall.

Saturday 16th August may see a few brief showers, though the likelihood of rain is greater on Sunday 17th August, when some clouds could grow large enough to produce heavier, isolated downpours. The weather system will be more intense over Sicily and Tunisia, where severe storms are possible.

So, while Santa Marija remains a time of summer celebration, locals and visitors should be prepared for the traditional touch of mid-August weather drama.

Will the rain ruin your Santa Marija plans?