WATERSPOUT TO THE SOUTH OF MALTA – 10th November 2008

A waterspout was seen just off the coast to the south of Malta moving ESE-WNW from Blue Grotto to Ghar Lapsi for about 20 minutes from 11.30am. This waterspout remained at sea and no damage was reported. There was a notable shift in surface wind direction from ENE to ESE at the time of this waterspout. Another waterspout was seen off the Sliema Front at 2.10pm. The day consisted of heavy thundery rain showers at times. A moist and unstable atmosphere was present over the central Mediterranean together with some wind shear (as can be seen on sounding to the left) helped to create the instability. A warning for both heavy rain and waterspouts was issued by Meteo Malta 24 hours previously.

PHOTOS TAKEN BY ROBERT MIFSUD & METEO MALTA