Malta Experienced Desert-Like Conditions In 2024

Malta has officially been classified as experiencing “arid” conditions during the 2023–2024 period, according to a new report published by the Energy and Water Agency.

This marks a significant and worrying development in the country’s ongoing battle with drought and water scarcity.

Covering the hydrological year from 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2024, the report confirms it was the driest year ever recorded for the island.

Conditions were so extreme that Malta temporarily faced desert-like circumstances.

The findings are based on the Aridity Index (AI), which measures the balance between rainfall and evaporation.

In Malta’s case, the lack of sufficient rainfall combined with high evaporation rates pushed the country into arid classification.

The report also notes that in nine of the last ten years, Malta has faced semi-arid conditions, highlighting a persistent and worsening trend.

Regions categorised as arid face significant difficulties in maintaining natural water resources and sustaining agriculture. In response, the agency emphasised the need for a more diversified and sustainable water supply.

Among the recommendations is the continued development of non-conventional water sources, such as the re-use of treated sewage for agricultural irrigation, to ensure Malta remains resilient in the face of climate change.

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