Get your scarves and beanies ready: hail storms and snow pellets expected before weekend

Bitter cold and strong winds – with temperatures as low as 7°C expected on Friday – should last into early Saturday morning, with possible hail showers forecast for late Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday.

The temperature, caused by low pressure over southern Italy and extending to Libya, is expected to drop further in the next two days.

The weather on Thursday was partly cloudy, expected to become cloudy with some isolated showers – possibly with hail – in the evening.

Very strong westerly winds reached Force 7 to 8 during the day but are expected to drop slightly in the evening.

Malta International Airport issued a Yellow (Be Aware) warning, advising the public that the wind was expected to be very strong over the exposed areas of the Maltese Islands, and would gradually increase more in strength.

A low pressure area extending to Libya is expected to move to the Balkans over the weekend

The forecast for Friday is equally bleak: mainly cloudy with isolated showers or hail showers and with a strong to very strong northwesterly wind becoming very strong before decreasing to Force 7 on Saturday.

Hail storms and snow pellets seem likely on Friday and Saturday.

How to stay warm, while inside or out and about

If staying indoors, turn on the AC, oil radiator or gas heater and keep your room at around 21°C and close your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat in. Being physically active generates heat and helps to keep you warm too; try to get up and move about as much as possible.

To keep warm at night, get out the hot water bottle or turn on an electric blanket, but be sure to never use both at the same time.

It should be obvious that the first thing to do is wear warm clothing. Wear several light layers instead of one chunky layer to maintain your body temperature and, if going outside, put on a thick coat, hat, gloves and a scarf.

Finally, try and eat regular hot, hearty meals, such as soups, stews and casseroles, and drink hot drinks throughout the day.