April exceptionally dry and warm

Last month was one of the driest Aprils in the past 84 years, according to the Meteorological Office of Malta International Airport.

Since records started being kept in 1922, only nine other Aprils have had less rainfall than the 2.8 mm measured last month, which was 20 mm below average. The heaviest downpour, if it could be called that, occurred on April 29 with just 1.6 mm of rain falling. The wettest April since 1922 was that of 1994 when 118.4 mm of rain drenched the islands.

With a mean temperature of 16.6°C, April was also one of the nine warmest since 1922. The mean temperature was one degree warmer than the 84-year average.

April 1998, with a mean temperature of 17.7°C, was the warmest April on record and the coolest was that of 1980 with a mean of 13.9°C. The warmest day last month was April 2 with a high of 26.8°C. The warmest April day on record was April 1963 with a balmy 30.7°C.

The coolest night last month was that between April 4 and 5 when the thermometer dipped to 8.7°C. The coolest April night since records began was that of April 9 and 10, 1956 when a chilly 4.4°C was measured.

With a mean wind speed of 10.1 knots (11.6 mph or 18.7 kilometres per hour), April stayed true to its reputation of being one of the windiest months. For 44 per cent of the time last month, the wind was in the moderate to strong speed bracket.

More information is available on the Met. Office's webpage at www.maltairport.com/weather.