Heavy Hailstorm Blankets Malta, Causes Widespread Disruption and Crop Damage

Unprecedented Hailfall Transforms Maltese Landscape

Malta experienced an extraordinary weather event overnight into Saturday, January 17, 2026, as a heavy hailstorm blanketed parts of the island in several centimeters of ice. The western regions, notably Rabat, Baħrija, and Mtarfa, were the most severely impacted, with residents waking to an unusual white landscape. Videos shared on social media depicted flooded streets in Rabat and parked cars in Mtarfa 'effectively buried' in hailstones up to their tires, requiring residents to shovel the ice to move their vehicles.

Emergency Response and Public Advisories

In response to the hazardous conditions, the Civil Protection Department (CPD) issued urgent warnings, advising motorists to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and avoid unnecessary travel. Staff from the CPD and the Cleansing and Maintenance Division (CMD) were promptly deployed to clear roads, with efforts focused on areas like Triq L-Gheriexen in Rabat to restore safe passage. Junior Minister Glenn Bedingfield publicly thanked the workers for their swift adaptation to the unusual weather.

Agricultural Devastation and Flight Diversions

The hailstorm inflicted substantial damage on Malta's agricultural sector, particularly in Rabat and Dingli. Farmers reported widespread devastation to crops, especially leafy produce, with estimated losses reaching 'tens of thousands of euros.' The prolonged nature of the hailstorm exacerbated the damage, and farmers face the challenge that agricultural land in Malta is typically 'not covered by insurance.' Beyond local impact, the severe weather also disrupted air travel, forcing a Ryanair flight from Naples to be diverted to Catania.

Weather Outlook and Health Warnings

The Malta Met Office had issued an Orange weather warning, cautioning about heavy thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hail across parts of the Maltese Islands. Weather stations recorded significant rainfall, including 56mm in Dingli, 36mm in Mosta, and 23.6mm in Luqa over a 24-hour period. While conditions were expected to improve for the remainder of the weekend, forecasts indicated a return to more aggressive weather on Monday, January 19, with predictions of gale-force winds reaching up to Force 8. Additionally, Mater Dei Hospital issued a public health warning, highlighting an increased risk of slips, falls, and cold-related illnesses, urging residents to check on elderly relatives and ensure their homes were adequately warm.