Malta Issues Red Heat Warning as Temperatures Expected to Reach 41°C
· Updated
In brief
- Malta's Met Office has issued a red heat warning, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 41°C in the coming days.
- Health authorities are urging the public to take precautions, including staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity.
- Cooling centres are being activated across various localities as part of Malta’s Heat Health Action Plan.
Malta is bracing for a severe heatwave, with the Met Office issuing a red heat warning as temperatures are expected to soar to 40°C and potentially 41°C over the coming days.
The Met Office has advised the public to take immediate precautions, particularly between 11am and 4pm when the sun is at its strongest. This includes staying cool, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding strenuous physical activity.
In response to the extreme weather, health authorities have also issued safety advice. They are urging everyone to be extra careful to stay safe during this period of intense heat.
As part of Malta’s Heat Health Action Plan, several cooling centres are being activated across different localities. These centres are intended to provide support for highly vulnerable individuals who may be at greater risk from the heat.
The public is encouraged to check on elderly relatives and neighbours, as well as those with pre-existing health conditions, to ensure they are coping with the high temperatures. Staying indoors in air-conditioned or well-ventilated spaces is also highly recommended.
Malta's Met Office has issued a red weather warning, its highest alert level, as the island prepares for its hottest period of the summer. Forecasters predict that temperatures will reach between 40 and 41°C.
The extreme heat is expected to begin on Saturday and continue until Tuesday. Authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions during this period, such as staying hydrated and avoiding direct sunlight.
The national health plan has been escalated as Malta anticipates a severe heatwave in the coming days. This follows earlier warnings for temperatures expected to reach up to 41°C.
Mater Dei Hospital has confirmed that, as of today, no heatstroke patients have been admitted. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, reiterating advice for the public to take precautions against the heat.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. TVM News reported factual updates on the health plan and hospital admissions without notable framing differences.
Updates
- : Updated with details on the escalated health plan and Mater Dei Hospital's report of no heatstroke patients so far.
- : Updated with reporting from MaltaToday and NET News: the heatwave is expected to moderate from Thursday onwards.