Last August was among the warmest

While Malta soaks with the first storm of the season, the MIA Met Office reported today that last month was the fourth warmest August since 1922.

"With a mean air temperature of 28.6°C, August 2012 was the fourth warmest August since 1922. The mean temperature registered by Malta Airport MetOffice in August exceeded the climate norm by 2.3°C. The warmest August was that of 1999 with a mean temperature of 29.3°C."
 
The highest temperature last month was registered on August 8th when it reached a maximum of 40.8°C. This was the second highest temperature ever reached in August and it was 10.1°C more than the 30-year climate norm. The highest temperature ever reached in August was 43.8°C on 9th August 1999.
 
A total of three heat advisories were issued by the Malta Airport MetOffice to the Health Authorities on the 6th, 8th and 13th of August.
 
The lowest temperature last month was 21.5°C and this was recorded on August 31st. 
 
The average sea surface temperature was 27.8°C. This is 2.3°C higher than the average value for August.
 
The mean relative humidity last month was 70% which is lower than the 30-year mean climate average of 73%.
 
A trace rainfall was recorded at Malta Airport during the month of August. This is much less than the climate norm of 7mm for August.
 
The wind speed in August, averaging 5.8 knots was less than expected during a typical August. For 92% of the time it was in the light speed bracket (1-10 knots). The South West wind was the most frequent direction.
 
On August 26th a maximum wind gust of 22 knots was recorded from the West by South direction. The highest wind gust measured at Malta Airport MetOffice during the month of August since 1947 was 59 knots, recorded on 26th August 1964.