By Weather Malta · Published 26 July 2026 · Updated
A handbook for reading the forecast
This is a guide to the information on a marine forecast, rather than a separate forecasting service. Use it alongside current land and regional sea information for Malta, Gozo and Comino.
First: establish the time and place
Check when the forecast was issued, which hours it describes and where its values apply. A screenshot or an old saved forecast can remain in circulation after the information has become stale.
Second: read wind and waves together
Wind speed and wind direction describe the air movement. Wave height and wave direction describe the sea model’s wave information. The relationship depends on exposure and wind history, so a wind value alone is not a complete sea forecast.
Third: inspect the whole journey
Follow the hours for departure, time on the water and return. A turn in wind direction can matter as well as a rise in speed or wave height.
Fourth: identify what is missing
Do not assume an unavailable wave period, gust, current or visibility field is zero. Check a suitable source for information the current page does not supply. Regional model values cannot certify conditions at an individual shore.
Finally: return to current local information
Check current notices and operator updates for the actual journey. Keep the forecast’s location, time and limitations attached to any figures you share.
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