Winter solstice heralds in cold spell

With the winter solstice around the corner, the onset of winter has brought with it cold temperatures that have sent people looking for their fluffy jackets and mufflers.

As is often the case in Malta in December, this week’s weather report is a muddled assortment. The forecast for today appears to be cloudy, with a chance of isolated rain showers and hail. The temperature is expected to hit a low of 10°C.

Forecast by MIA's Meteorological Office

Tomorrow – the first day of the winter solstice – is expected to be even colder, going down to 9°C.

And this will not be the coldest. During this week’s holidays, temperatures will be going down to 8°C during the night on Friday and Saturday. During the day, the temperature will feel like 12°C for the rest of the week. 

Perhaps the biggest contributing factor to this week’s chilly weather is the wind. The Northeast wind, which will blow at a high Force 6-7 until Friday, will make the nighttime temperature of 8°C feel significantly colder.

For this reason, once the wind changes direction on Christmas eve, the temperature will feel warmer at 15°C. Throughout the weekend, the wind is expected to die down to force 2-3, with the temperature going up to 16°C on Boxing day.