The Maltese Islands are set for an extended spell of hot weather, with maximum temperatures expected to consistently reach or exceed 35°C throughout the first half of August.

According to Maltese Islands Weather, while the prolonged heat is not currently forecast to meet the official climatological definition of a heatwave, it is still expected to bring very uncomfortable conditions.

The reason is the combination of high temperatures and persistent humidity, which will make it feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature. Tropical nights are also expected to continue, with temperatures in many areas struggling to drop below 25°C.

The warm conditions are being driven by a persistent plume of Saharan air stretching across the central Mediterranean, bringing unusually warm air over the islands for several consecutive days.

The latest six-day forecast reflects this pattern. Monday through Thursday will be mostly sunny with daytime highs of 35°C, while Friday and Saturday are expected to climb to 36°C. Real-feel temperatures could reach 38°C to 40°C, making outdoor activities particularly challenging during the hottest hours of the day.

Winds will generally remain light to moderate; seas will stay slight to smooth, and there is virtually no chance of rainfall throughout the week.

The UV index will also remain very high at 9, meaning residents and visitors are urged to stay hydrated, seek shade where possible, and avoid prolonged exposure to the midday sun.

Bring on another week of summer!