As Malta edges closer to summer, this coming weekend promises a brief but noticeable interruption to the recent spell of warm, sunny weather. Weather portals are predicting unstable conditions for Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May, with a chance of thundery rain showers and cooler temperatures across the islands.

According to local weather trackers, an upper-level trough will swiftly pass over the Central Mediterranean, bringing with it unsettled air and the likelihood of isolated showers that could intensify into thunderstorms. The system appears to be connected to a cold front descending from Scandinavia, which is expected to interact with local conditions by the weekend.

Currently, high-altitude clouds known locally as ‘ċluni’ – thin, wispy clouds that can appear reddish in denser areas – are being observed over Malta. These clouds, common in May, often move independently of the surface wind, sometimes travelling in the opposite direction to ground-level breezes.

Rain is expected to begin late on Saturday, with heavier and possibly thundery downpours forecasted for Sunday morning. However, conditions should clear up by Sunday afternoon, bringing back sunnier skies, albeit with a strong and noticeably cool northwesterly wind.

Due to the incoming wind and unsettled conditions, the maximum temperature is expected to drop temporarily below 25°C, offering a short-lived reprieve from the early summer heat.

Whether you're planning a countryside walk or a Sunday swim, it’s best to keep an umbrella handy and check for weather updates before heading out this weekend.

Are you hoping for some rain or crossing your fingers for sunshine?