Orange warning for strong winds for Our Lady of Sorrows feast
Palm Sunday weekend to be dominated by wind and some rain
Updated 10.36pm
As Holy Week celebrations begin, the Meteorological Office has issued an orange warning for strong winds which will be accompanied by occasional rain showers.
Friday’s devotional pilgrimages marking the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows will be dominated by strong West-Northwest winds.
The Met Office's orange warning indicates that people should "be prepared" for potentially severe weather. The West Northwest wind will be strong over the Maltese Islands, becoming very strong. This warning will be renewed, the Met Office said.
These winds will begin strengthening overnight, reaching Force 7 before gradually easing to Force 5 to 6 in the afternoon, with rain showers possible throughout the day.
The Civil Protection Department urged the public to "exercise extreme caution" while the orange weather warning is in place.
They warned people should avoid working at heights, stay away from shorelines dur to dangerous sea conditions and strong waves, and secure loose outdoor objects which might be blown away.
They also advised drivers to watch out for sudden crosswinds in open and exposed areas.
The Met Office said Saturday is expected to bring similar conditions, with strong to rather strong Northwesterly winds (Force 5 to 6). Winds are forecast to increase to Force 6 in the afternoon, before easing again overnight into Sunday.
Conditions are expected to become more favourable on Palm Sunday, offering some relief for localities holding their processions. The day is forecast to be partly cloudy, with rather strong to strong Northwesterly winds (Force 5-6) becoming strong to rather strong by the evening.
The first days of Holy Week are expected to be windy particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday.
February windier but warmer
Despite February typically being considered rainy, last month was relatively drier and warmer than usual.
During the month, the Meteorological Office recorded 17.2 mm of rainfall, which is 51.8 mm below the monthly average. No thunderstorms were recorded over the Maltese Islands, whereas typically around three occur during February.
The average temperature for the month stood at 14.7°C, which is 2.1°C above the climatic norm. The highest temperature reached 20.4°C on February 6, while the coldest night was recorded on February 23, when temperatures dropped to 9°C.
While rainfall was below average, the same cannot be said for wind conditions. February was windier than usual, with an average wind speed of 12.8 knots (climatic norm: 9.4 knots). The strongest gust reached 52 knots, recorded on February 12 from the west.