Valletta was covered in a carpet of ice yesterday morning after hailstones rained down on the capital, adding a surreal touch to the festive season.

Residents were treading cautiously over the slippery pavements, unused to walking over snow and ice in leather-soled shoes, while children heaped it up and attempted to mould a snowman.

A Meteorological Office spokesman said the thunderstorm began at about 7 a.m. and lasted for two hours. Valletta and Birkirkara were the worst hit with 30.6mm and 18.8 mm of rain recorded respectively.

The storm was caused by an area of unstable weather coming from the southeast of the island, which moved towards the Ionian Sea.

Localities that were spared the hail were pelted with strong rains, and parts of Gżira and Sliema were flooded, forcing vehicles to drive up the wrong way.

There were also a number of minor accidents. However, the Civil Protection Department received no distress calls - it helped that it was the weekend and children were on Christmas holidays.

The weather today is expected to be fine with the possibility of isolated showers at times. Tomorrow, clouds and the possibility of some showers are forecast.

On Tuesday, the Met. Office is predicting strong winds with the chance of thunderstorms, while New Year's Eve is expected to be cloudy with some isolated showers, so get your coat and umbrella ready before you set out to party.