Umbrellas at the ready: Rain and hail on the cards for New Year’s Eve
'Rainfall may range from moderate to heavy, and some areas could experience hail', Met Office says
The new year is expected to bring with it adverse weather conditions, with isolated thunderstorms, showers and even hail expected on New Year’s Eve through to the following day.
While Tuesday has so far seen sunny conditions in many areas, Wednesday is set to see thundery showers with highs of 17°C and a low of 10°C, according to the Met Office forecast available on the airport website.
The Met Office told Times of Malta that isolated thundery showers are expected “throughout the day tomorrow and will continue into the evening and night”, with improvement expected from the evening on New Year’s Day.
“The thunderstorms and showers are expected to be localised. Rainfall may range from moderate to heavy, and some areas could experience hail”, the Met Office said.
The recent forecast stands in contrast to last year, when the Met Office said the weather was “ideal” for outdoor events while forecasting partial clouds for New Year’s Eve.
Wednesday's forecast is likely to be met with consternation by revellers planning on ushering in the new year at one of the island’s outdoor celebrations, such as the concert offerings in Valletta and across the water in Cottonera, and in Victoria.
In Valletta, partygoers will be entertained by DJ hosts Jamie Cardona and Taryn Mamo Cefai, the Palace String Orchestra and a host of singers including Miriana Conte and John Newmann, known for his hit Love Me Again.
Over in Cospicua, Ray Callejja and Dorianne Mamo will host a night featuring Ira Losco, Kantera and Matthew James, among others.
And in Gozo, public New Year's Eve celebrations will also be an outdoor affair, with music and dancing scheduled for Victoria's Independence Square.