The Maltese Islands are facing increasing challenges due to declining rainfall and worsening drought conditions, as highlighted in an available report analysing precipitation trends and water availability from 2008 to 2024. The findings indicate a significant reduction in annual rainfall, with the 2023-2024 hydrological year marking the driest on record.
Key findings:
| Declining Rainfall: The average annual rainfall from 2008-2024 was 458mm—17% lower than the long-term average recorded from 1940-2024. |
| Record Dry Years: Three significant drought years occurred in 2016-2017, 2020-2021, and 2023-2024, with the latter being the driest in recent Maltese history. |
| Long-Term Drought Trends: Data suggests a growing trend toward drier years, with 12 of the past 16 years experiencing below-average rainfall. |
| Arid Conditions Increasing: Based on the Aridity Index, the Maltese Islands are classified as semi-arid, with the 2023-2024 hydrological year reaching arid conditions, posing a severe threat to agriculture and water resources. |
Background and Implications
Malta’s water resources are largely dependent on seasonal rainfall, with most precipitation occurring between October and March. However, recent years have seen inconsistent rainfall patterns and prolonged drought, particularly affecting months such as December, January, and April. These trends are evident across the islands, with meteorological data showing a general decline in precipitation at monitoring stations, particularly in Xewkija and Valletta.
Drought monitoring using the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) confirms an increased frequency of drought instances over the past decade, with drier years being recorded. The Aridity Index (AI) further highlights Malta’s vulnerability, showing that in nine out of the last ten years, the country experienced semi-arid conditions, with 2023-2024 classified as dry.
The Need for Sustainable Water Management
Given Malta’s semi-arid climate and limited freshwater resources, reliable data on changing rainfall patterns is critical for long-term water management. The worsening drought conditions not only threaten agriculture and food security but also impact natural ecosystems, social well-being, and the national economy.
The report underscores the urgent need for diversified water sources, including better management of groundwater reserves, increased use of non-conventional water resources, and enhanced drought resilience strategies. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, proactive water resource management will be essential to mitigate future water shortages and maintain sustainability in the Maltese Islands.