According the official Met Office, Malta is under the influence of a searing heatwave with temperatures hitting 40°C today and feeling closer to 42°C due to great humidity. UV levels have also risen to a dangerously high 10, therefore triggering critical public health alerts.
Local residents are getting direct SMS heat alerts for the first time advising them to remain inside, protect themselves from sun exposure, and keep hydrated. “Avoid direct sunshine. Stay in cool surroundings. Drink plenty of water often,” the alerts read.
Unveiled by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela on July 21st, the mobile alert system is part of a recently launched heathealth project. Apart from phone warnings, the campaign involves the establishment of specially chosen Day Centres around the islands to offer cool, secure environments for needy people, particularly those with limited mobility or chronic health issues.
The Primary Care Support Centre is supervising the project meant to reduce heat-related health problems and hospital admissions during peak summer months.
Although temperatures will still be extremely high all through the week, some respite is predicted this weekend. Expected highs to drop to 34 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 30 degrees Celsius on Sunday will be brought on by a Force 5–6 northwesterly wind.
Authorities are advising both locals and tourists to take precautions until then: stay in air-conditioned or shady areas, drink plenty of fluids, wear sunscreen, and forgo outdoor activity during the hottest portions of the day.
The island’s public health readiness changes proactively as Malta’s heat alert system reflects comparable models used across southern Europe, as climate extremes become more frequent.
