Thunderstorms forecast but rain will not be heavy, says Met Office
It has not rained in July since 2022
Thunderstorms are being forecast until Thursday, the Met Office said on Monday, bringing some showers to Malta's driest month of the year.
A spokesperson said "high-level thunderstorms" and showers will be caused by prolonged atmospheric instability across the Mediterranean.
One such storm passed north of Malta on Monday morning, bringing a drizzle to some parts of the island.
The change in weather after last week's heatwave is being caused by a "weak trough of low pressure extending from Algeria to the Central Mediterranean", which is leading to "increased instability in the upper part of the atmosphere, causing light showers."
The spokesperson added that the expected rain, should not be a cause for alarm as much of it is expected to start evaporating as it falls.
July is usually the driest month, with only one day of precipitation.
"It last rained in July in 2022, when a mere 0.2 mm of rain was measured", the spokesperson said.
From heatwave to thunderstorm
The sudden change in weather comes after a heatwave that also saw Malta record its hottest July day ever.
Temperatures soared to a sizzling 43.3°C on Saturday, July 18 and came after public health authorities escalated the Heat Health Action Plan.
Malta also set a new heatwave record with three consecutive days of temperatures above 42°C.