As we’re already seven days into August, the popular Facebook page, Maltese Islands Weather is giving us a rundown of what the Maltese Islands can face during the final month of meteorological summer.

Known for its scorching temperatures, August is usually the hottest period of the year, especially during its first half, which coincides with the second half of July. However, this year, locals and tourists can expect a mixed bag of weather conditions.

The early days of August will see a combination of cooler-than-average and average temperatures, providing some relief from the sweltering heat. Nonetheless, the latter half of the month will usher in hotter-than-average temperatures, creating a potential heat spell with consecutive days of temperatures reaching the mid-30s.

However, the most interesting part is that there a full-blown heatwave is highly unlikely at this point in time. Temperatures are not expected to soar into the 40s any time soon which is a relief. However, despite the absence of a heatwave, precautions should still be taken to stay hydrated and cool during the peak heat.

One notable factor contributing to the warm and clammy atmosphere is the higher sea surface temperature, a result of the increased frequency of hot days. This higher sea surface temperature hinders nighttime cooling in the air, leading to elevated humidity levels, making the weather feel even warmer.

Despite occasional surprises, long-term forecasts indicate that August 2023 is likely to be relatively dry, with minimal chances of showers. When showers do occur, they are expected to manifest in the afternoon, particularly across central areas of Malta. These showers are a consequence of the upward convection of warm, moist air on sunlit days, triggered by the collision of cooler air from the north with the warm sea and land locally.

It’s clear that as August unfolds, the Maltese Islands will experience a mix of weather conditions, ranging from milder temperatures to scorching heat...but thankfully, no heatwaves!

Will you miss the summer heat when it’s gone?