Strong winds, rough seas grip Malta

Winds of up to 37 kilometres per hour as well as rough seas and waves of up to three metres high are expected to grip Malta this afternoon, meteorologists have warned.

The MET Office warned that Malta would be hit by strong Northwesterly winds of up to 20 knots. The sea is rough while maximum significant wave heights are expected to be between two and three metres. The wind is expected to remain rather strong to strong.

The warning remains valid until 9pm.

The strong winds will be dangerous for boats sailing or berthed along the coast, while some slight damage may occur inland, especially on hilltops and exposed areas.

Strong winds have so far been reported off the coast of Xlendi and Sannat in Gozo, and in and around Haz-Zebbug in Malta.

The wind is mainly due to a depression over the Adriatic Sea, which will move slightly east. Later a ridge of high pressure will move over the central Mediterranean.

Meteorologists have warned that on Monday, a Force 5 wind will become rather strong to strong and veer to the West Southwest. Despite the wind, the weather is expected to remain mild throughout the week with temperatures varying between 15 °C and 19 °C.  

The wind is expected to subside on Tuesday but will return on Thursday, with meteorologists expecting Force 6 to 7 winds.