The Maltese Islands are set to experience a notably unsettled spell of weather on Tuesday 16th December, according to an update from the Maltese Islands Weather Facebook page.

A low-pressure system moving northwards from the Sahara Desert into the central Mediterranean is expected to significantly influence local conditions, bringing widespread rainfall and strong winds.

This system, combined with high humidity levels and persistent south-easterly winds, is forecast to generate a band of rain-bearing Nimbostratus clouds. As a result, Malta and Gozo can expect a prolonged period of continuous rain throughout the entire day. There is also the possibility of occasional thunder, adding to the instability of the weather pattern.

Because the storm system originates over desert regions, lighter rainfall may carry fine Saharan dust, leading to the familiar phenomenon of muddy rain. Residents are advised to take precautions, particularly motorists, as road conditions may become slippery and vehicles may be left coated with sand deposits.

The effects of this weather system will not be limited to Tuesday alone. Its influence is expected to linger into Wednesday 17th December and Thursday 18th December, although conditions should become less wet. During this period, warm air associated with the system will move across the islands, pushing temperatures up to around 21°C; well above average for this time of year.

Another similar low-pressure system is forecast to pass close to the Maltese Islands on Friday 19th December, potentially bringing further unsettled weather and reinforcing the current pattern.

As for the much-anticipated Christmas and New Year period, forecasters caution that it is still too early for a definitive outlook. Weather models have yet to align, but early indications suggest calmer and more stable conditions on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day themselves, with stormier weather possibly occurring in the days between the two celebrations. We’ll know more soon enough!

Are you looking forward to the rainy weather this week?