Umbrellas were yesterday brought out of their closets as the last week of August kicked off with rain.

According to the forecast by the Malta International Airport's Met Office, showers are expected until Saturday.

When contacted, duty forecaster Kenneth Chase said rain was not uncommon in August. On the contrary, he said, it was to be expected.

The highest rainfall between midday on Sunday and midday yesterday was registered in Dingli with 2.8 millimetres, while 1.8 millimetres were registered in Birkirkara; 1.4 millimetres in Valletta; 1.2 millimetres in Luqa and Benghajsa; 0.6 millimetres in Selmun; 0.4 millimetres in Xewkija and 0.2 millimetres in Kercem.

The showers are not being caused by the same weather that has caused floods in Central Europe. The cause is a trough of low pressure extending from Algeria towards the Central Mediterranean and the Tyrrhenian Sea, and which is moving slowly eastwards, Mr Chase said.

Temperatures this week are expected to be slightly lower than the average for this time of the year.

The average temperature for the end of August is 29.5 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature today is expected to reach 25, while tomorrow and Thursday it is forecasted at 27. It is expected to go up to 28 on Friday and Saturday.

Updated information about the weather can be found on the Met Office's website www.maltairport.com/weather.

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