Met Office issues red wind warning, forecasts 'unstable' Carnival weather

Updated 3.55pm

A red weather warning has been issued for Malta, with gale-force winds and gusts of up to 96 km/hr forecast for Thursday. 

Both the Met Office and Civil Protection Department (CPD) issued the red weather warning, which is the most serious weather alert. 

In its warning, the Met Office said a strong west-southwest wind, soon veering west-northwest, will gradually increase to gale force, especially over exposed areas.  

The warning is valid until 6am on Friday and will be renewed accordingly. 

The CPD advised the public to exercise extreme caution and to avoid working on rooftops, balconies, scaffolding and exposed structures. 

People are also advised to stay away from the shoreline, breakwaters and coastal areas due to dangerous sea conditions and waves. 

Loose outdoor objects that could be blown away by strong gusts should be secured.

Carnival forecast

The Met Office said weather conditions during the first two days of Carnival celebrations, Friday and Saturday are expected to be partly cloudy, with the possibility of isolated rain showers at night.

"However, weather that could significantly disrupt Carnival celebrations across the Maltese Islands is not expected," it said.

Friday is expected to begin with strong West-Northwesterly winds reaching Force 7. As the day progresses, the wind will veer West-Southwesterly and ease to moderate to rather strong levels (Force 4 to 5).

Winds are forecast to strengthen again on Saturday evening.

Over these two days, daytime temperatures will range between 18°C and 19°C, falling to around 13°C to 14°C during the evening hours.

Conditions are expected to become more unsettled on Carnival Sunday, with isolated showers that may be thundery. Northwesterly winds are forecast to strengthen to Force 6 to 7.

Unstable conditions are also forecast to persist on Monday, with further showers expected throughout the day. Winds will remain rather strong to strong.

The final day of Carnival may be somewhat more favourable for enthusiasts and those wishing to enjoy the grand finale parade.

For Tuesday 17th February, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy, although winds will remain rather strong to strong (Force 5 to 6), becoming strong (Force 6) from the West-Southwest later in the evening.

Strong Northwesterly winds are also expected to bring a drop in temperatures. Between Sunday and Tuesday, maximum temperatures are not expected to exceed 16°C, while evening temperatures may fall to around 11°C.

Caution on construction sites

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority, meanwhile, called for continued caution when carrying out outdoor works, particularly on construction sites.

Work close to the sea should be avoided, the authority said in a statement.

It also urged project supervisors and health and safety professionals to inspect work sites for any damage that could create a risk. Any such damage should be addressed immediately, and the health and safety of all workers safeguarded.

OHSA's warning:

• Avoid outdoor work at heights or near unstable structures
• Avoid work on roofs, scaffolding, or elevated walkways
• Secure or remove all loose materials, tools, equipment, and temporary structures
• Ensure signage and site communications reflect current conditions
• Maintain clear emergency access at all times
• Exercise caution near trees, power lines, and temporary structures
• Advise workers to plan travel carefully, allow extra time, and stay alert for debris or falling objects near car parks and entry points
• Tower cranes must be left free to slew when unattended and must not have suspended loads

Wind, rain and hail

According to windfinder, the maximum wind speed will reach 65 kilometres per hour (force 8), with gusts up to 96 kilometres per hour (force 10) at around 10pm on Thursday. 

Thursday’s weather will also be rainy at first, with isolated showers that may occasionally be thundery, gusty and with hail. Overnight, the weather will become partly cloudy. The temperature is expected to range between 18°C and 13°C.

The conditions are due to an area of low pressure over Central Europe extending to the Mediterranean Sea that will move slowly eastwards.

At the time of writing, neither the Gozo channel ferry service nor the high-speed ferry have announced any changes to its schedule. 

However Virtu Ferries has amended its Malta to Sicily ferry schedule. Its Friday morning services will now depart on Friday evening while there are also changes to its Saturday services. 

January wetter and windier than average

The warning comes several weeks after Storm Harry battered Malta with strong winds, stopping sea crossings between Malta, Gozo and Sicily, causing flight diversions or cancellations, tearing down hundreds of trees, significantly damaging Malta’s wastewater infrastructure and wrecked seafront shop fronts.

The Met Office said January was wetter and windier than average with a total of 112.4mm of rainfall recorded during the month, some 33.1 mm above the montly average. 

The average wind speed measured during January was 12.6 knots, 3.7 knots above the norm.

Although Storm Harry brought strong winds, the strongest gust of the month was recorded on 10th January, reaching 53.3 knots from the west, the Met Office said.

The average temperature for January was 14.9°C, higher than the climatic norm of 12.9°C.