Updated Saturday 8.50am

Parts of the island were hit by a hail storm early on Saturday as temperatures are expected to plummet to 4°C by the evening.

According to the Meteorological Office, the wind and chilly weather is expected to persist throughout the weekend. 

Wind will be north west Force 6 decreasing to Force 5 by the evening, but enough to make the temperature feel colder than it actually is. The strong wind warning persists until 9pm.

The cold will subside a little on Sunday with a forecast high of 13°C and a low of 8 degrees.

A number of people reported seeing snow flakes and sleet in Malta on Friday afternoon, although it only seems to have fallen for a few minutes.

Hail storm in Gżira.

The temperature on Friday night was reported at 6°C but the Meteorological Office said it felt like 2°C because of the wind chill.

Facebook users reported seeing white flakes in St Paul's Bay, Valletta, Kirkop and Għargħur, among other places.

Several Nordic countries reported warmer temperatures than Malta for the weekend. 

The Government this week appealed to elderly persons to keep themselves busy during these days, keep their homes heated and dress well as temperatures are expected to drop further.

The health authorities issued a warning earlier in the week saying that hospitals are preparing for an increase in patients due to flu complications, exacerbated by the change in weather.

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