3 August 2007 Rating 66% No Comment  

Daytime temperatures in July, with an average of 31.7°C, were higher by 1.3°C than the average of the past 85 years. The hottest day last month was the 24th when the thermometer climbed to 39.1°C at the Meteorological Office. As is usual, Gozo temperatures were somewhat lower, the highest temperature recorded at Gozo Weather Station was 35.6 °C, also on the 24th. With five consecutive days between the 21st and the 25th of July with high temperatures of at least 5 °C more than the average for the time of the year meant that July also recorded the second longest heat wave in 30 years. With an average of 12 hours and 42 minutes of bright sunshine a day, July was sunnier than average by one hour. The sunniest days were the 6th, 16th, 17th, 19th, and the 26th when the sun shone brightly for 13 hours, whilst the dullest day was the 2nd with only 11 hours and 6 minutes of sunshine. Tthe public are again urged to take heed of the UV Index forecasts, which are still reaching very dangerous levels of 10 or more. They are advised to seek shade and to apply adequate sunscreen protection if they need to venture out into the sun, especially between the critical times of 11.00am and 4.00pm.