Nine on 12 months last year were warmer than usual Last year exhibited weather conditions characterised by higher temperatures and lower precipitation than the usual climate, as reported by the Meteorological Office on Tuesday. The office noted a total of 3,020 hours of sunshine, with seven months experiencing above-average brightness. Throughout most of the year, temperatures exceeded the monthly averages, and July stood out as the warmest month since 1922, with an average temperature of 29.6°C. During a persistent 10-day heatwave, the mercury reached a peak of 42.7°C. In December, the average temperature was 15.9°C, surpassing the climatic norm by 1.4 °C. February, as the coldest month in 2023, was the only month with an average temperature below the climatic norm. The 18th day of that month recorded the lowest temperature of the year, dropping to 5.3°C. The remaining months generally experienced warmer temperatures, with May and June being exceptions, closely aligning with climatic norms. (Times of Malta)
Opposition leader testifies in Ħamrun party club assault case
PN leader Bernard Grech told court that he did not witness an assault at the party’s club in Ħamrun, which left a PN activist severely injured. He claimed to have been walking away after realizing the need to maintain distance from the premises “to avoid trouble.” The proceedings in the case against the individual accused of causing severe injury to a PN supporter during the San Gejtanu feast celebrations in Ħamrun last summer continued before Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo on Tuesday. Andrew Attard, a 48-year-old resident of Ħamrun, is facing charges of assaulting Noel Mifsud Bonnici and causing him grievous injury. Mifsud Bonnici sustained a torn knee ligament and had to be hospitalized as a result of the reported assault, which occurred shortly after Grech was allegedly denied entry to the club. Attard is denying the charges. (The Malta Independent)
Anti-Poverty Forum welcomes price cuts
The Anti-Poverty Forum, a coalition of 17 NGOs dedicated to social welfare in Malta, has expressed support for the government’s initiatives aimed at compelling businesses to lower the prices of essential daily commodities. Describing the move as a much-needed action, the forum believes it will prove beneficial for individuals in the lower income brackets, enabling them to afford essential goods for their families. The government recently brokered an agreement with importers and retailers to implement a 15% reduction in the prices of around 400 items starting February 1. (Maltatoday)
