If you’re heading out to celebrate Carnival in Malta or Gozo this weekend, you might want to brace yourself for some wild weather! According to Malta Weather, a strong to very strong Mistral wind (that’s a cold northwesterly wind) is expected to blow across the islands all day today, Thursday 27th February, bringing along some more rain showers.

But sadly that might just be the beginning! By tomorrow, Friday 28th February, a low-pressure system forming over Algeria will move eastward, reaching Malta over the weekend. This will stir up a powerful southeast wind from the early hours of Saturday 1st March, through most of Sunday 2nd March. 

The wind will also carry Saharan dust, which means if it rains, it’ll likely be blood rain that leaves everything coated in a fine layer of red dust - maybe don't wash your car just yet!

As the weekend wraps up, a wintry high-pressure system from Europe will take over, shifting the wind towards the east-northeast and keeping it strong until Monday morning, 3rd March. There’s also a chance of some light rain on both Monday and Tuesday, but nothing that should put a damper on Carnival celebrations.

If you’re dressing up for Carnival, maybe avoid anything too lightweight - unless you fancy chasing your mask down the street!

Will this weather affect your Carnival plans?