Autumn is rolling in with the promise of long-awaited rainfall across the Maltese Islands! While September has been unusually dry, things are about to change, with the first widespread showers expected to make an appearance by the weekend.

According to Maltese Islands Weather, between 2mm and 9mm of rainfall could arrive – not exactly a deluge, but certainly significant when compared to the dry spell we’ve had so far. The first proper thunderstorms are forecast for Saturday 27th September, with a 55% chance of rain, so if you’re planning an outdoor activity, it might be worth considering a Plan B.

The local weather page It-Temp Madwarna explains that the summer anticyclone over the Mediterranean is set to collapse, while high pressure over the UK will push cooler currents into the central Mediterranean. This shift will create significant instability across the region, paving the way for stormier conditions. At first, only isolated showers are expected, but the first widespread rainfall is due by the end of the week.

The days leading up to the stormy weekend will still bring plenty of sunshine mixed with cloudy spells. Monday 22nd September is forecast to be mostly sunny, followed by some high clouds drifting in on Tuesday 23rd. By Wednesday 24th, skies are expected to turn cloudier, with the chance of a few showers – a pattern that should continue into Thursday. Friday 26th may see isolated storms close to the Maltese Islands, before Saturday ushers in the first widespread showers, complete with thunder. Sunday will likely bring a mix of isolated rain and sunny intervals to round off the week.

While maximum temperatures will remain under 30°C all week for the first time since summer, the real feel temperatures will reach a max of 32°C on Wednesday, although they’re expected to cool to 26°C on Saturday, thanks to the rainy weather.

Looking forward to autumn’s first storm?