Malta is set for a burst of wintry weather later this week, with strong northwesterly gale-force winds expected to sweep across the islands from the evening of Thursday 26th into the early hours of Friday 27th.According to local weather page Malta Weather and Windfinder, a powerful NW Force 8 gale is forecast as a Genoa low pressure system develops over northern Italy and moves rapidly southeast across the central Mediterranean. The weather system could also bring isolated rain or slight hail showers.The strongest winds are expected to begin between 7pm and 10pm on Thursday, before gradually easing by around 4am on Friday, according to the forecast details provided. Malta’s official Met Office forecast also indicates windy conditions on Thursday, with gale-force winds later calming significantly.A Genoa low is a depression that forms in the Ligurian Sea area and can drive unstable weather across parts of the Mediterranean as it tracks southeast. In Malta’s case, this setup is expected to push in strong northwesterly winds and rough sea conditions despite spring already being underway.Residents are being urged to take precautions, especially in exposed coastal areas, and to secure loose outdoor objects ahead of the overnight gusts. Sea conditions are also expected to turn rough during peak gusts.While the disturbance is mainly expected to bring wind, brief isolated showers or small hail are also possible as the system passes over the islands.Share this with your household•