While July is usually one of the driest months of the year in Malta, the occasional rumble of thunder and flashes of lightning can still make an appearance. With cloudy skies and the possibility of isolated showers forecast across the islands, many may be wondering why these summer thunderstorms often produce so little rain.

According to Maltese Islands Weather, the answer lies in the unique atmospheric conditions that develop during the peak of summer.

The lowest layers of the atmosphere above the Maltese Islands become extremely warm and relatively dry during July. As rain falls from thunderstorms high in the sky, it must travel through this dry layer before reaching the ground. During this journey, many of the raindrops evaporate, causing rainfall to weaken significantly or disappear completely before it reaches the surface.

This phenomenon is known as virga; a common occurrence in hot, dry climates. As a result, people may hear loud claps of thunder, witness spectacular lightning displays and even experience strong gusts of wind, yet receive only a few drops of rain, if any at all.

However, even a brief summer shower can noticeably affect how the weather feels. Once roads, rooftops and the ground become wet, the intense summer heat quickly evaporates the moisture back into the air. This increases humidity levels, making it harder for sweat to evaporate from the skin – the body's natural cooling process.

Although the actual air temperature may remain almost unchanged, the higher humidity causes the real-feel temperature to rise, leaving conditions feeling even hotter and more uncomfortable.

So, while July thunderstorms may not bring much-needed rainfall, they can still make the summer heat feel even more oppressive.

Are you praying for some thunder tomorrow?