SHOWERS are expected over the Santa
Maria weekend, following several days
of hot and sunny weather, the Met Of-
fice said on Tuesday.
"It is quite common to have show-
ers around Santa Marija feast, with
the clouds that form during this time
commonly referred to as 'għerejjex
ta' Santa Marija'," the Met Office told
MaltaToday.
A yellow weather warning was issued
earlier on Tuesday, as maximum tem-
peratures are expected to reach 33°C
or more. The hot spell is being caused
by an area of high pressure covering
most of Europe and the central and
western Mediterranean.
Together with very light winds, this
has pushed temperatures higher com-
pared to last week, which may have
seemed cooler.
The forecast shows hot and sunny
weather until Friday, before condi-
tions change over the weekend. Show-
ers are expected on Saturday with a
high of 31°C and a low of 22°C, while
isolated showers are expected on Sun-
day with a high of 32°C and a low of
24°C.
The Met Office explained after
months of hot weather, the ground
heats up and releases warmth into the
atmosphere. As the air rises, it cools
and forms Cumulus or Towering Cu-
mulus clouds, which can cause mod-
erate to heavy showers.
Last year's Santa Marija period saw
no rainfall on 15 and 16 August, with
maximum temperatures reaching be-
tween 35°C and 37°C. Light rain fell on
17 and 18 August during cloudy spells.
The climatic norm for August in
Malta is an average temperature of
27.5°C, with a maximum of 32°C and a
minimum of 23°C.
The Met Office advised the public
to follow its updates as forecasts may
change.
12
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 AUGUST 2025
NEWS
Hot and damp Santa Marija weekend expected
with rain forecast for Saturday and Sunday
Met Office says showers are likely on Saturday and
Sunday, with temperatures set to ease slightly after a
hot week
