July’s average air temperature exceeded climate norm by 0.8°C

The highest average temperature was registered on July 18th when it peaked to almost 6°C more than 30-year climate norm, it said.

This was followed by a drop in air temperature during the latter part of the month. Between the 25th and 31st the average temperature fell to around 1°C less than the climate norm.

The highest temperature last month of 37.7°C was reached on July 18th. This is however 5.0°C less than the highest temperature reached in July 1988 for the past 63 years.

The lowest temperature last July was 19.0°C and this was recorded on July 4th. The coolest July night was on July 2nd 1923 with a low of 13.9°C.

The average sea surface temperature was 25.8°C. This is 1.7°C higher than the average value for July since 1978.

The mean relative humidity last month was 62% which is lower than the 30-year mean climate average of 69%. Just 0.2 mm of rainfall was recorded at Malta International Airport, which is less than the climate norm for July.

Last month we had an average of 11 hours and 36 minutes of sunshine a day, which is slightly less than the July norm. 

The wind speed in July, averaging 6.7 knots was slightly less than expected during a typical July. For 84% of the time it was in the light speed bracket (1-10 knots). The NorthWest by West was the most frequent direction.

On July 20th a maximum wind gust of 33 knots was recorded from the NorthWest by West. This is around 1 knot less than the average since 1947.

The highest wind gust measured at Malta International Airport during the month of July since 1947 was 47 knots, recorded on July 2nd 1954.

 The Malta Airport MetOffice also strongly urged the public to refer to its UV Index forecasts as these may reach high and dangerous levels.

“The public is to seek shade between the critical times of 1100hrs and 1600hrs and to apply adequate sunscreen protection,” it said.

More information is available on its webpage at www.maltairport.com/weather.