Malta’s Homes: Struggling to Cope with Hotter Nights

Sleepless in Summer: Malta’s Homes in the Heat

Imagine this: it’s 11 pm on a sweltering July night in Msida. You’re sitting at your window, the fan whirring futilely, as you watch your neighbours tossing and turning, too. You’re not alone in your sleepless struggle; Malta’s homes are feeling the heat, and it’s not just the pizza ovens that are working overtime.

Malta’s Housing Stock: A Time Capsule

Malta’s housing stock is a time capsule, with many homes built decades ago when air conditioning was a luxury. These homes, with their thick walls and small windows, were designed to keep out the cold, not the heat. “Our homes are like thermal batteries,” explains Dr. Joseph Grima, an architect and sustainability expert. “They absorb heat during the day and release it at night.”

Add to this the urban heat island effect, where Malta’s concrete jungles trap heat, and you’ve got a recipe for sleepless nights. “In cities like Birkirkara or Ħamrun, temperatures can be up to 3°C higher than in rural areas,” says Dr. Grima.

When the Night Never Cools

Malta’s climate is changing. Summers are getting hotter, and nights are no longer the cool respite they once were. The Malta Meteorological Office reports that the number of tropical nights (when the temperature doesn’t drop below 20°C) has been increasing. In 2020, Malta experienced 34 such nights, compared to just 10 in 2000.

This is a problem for our health and productivity. A study by the University of Malta found that heatwaves can lead to an increase in hospital admissions and even deaths. And it’s not just the elderly at risk; hot nights can disrupt sleep, leaving us groggy and less productive the next day.

Adapting to the New Normal

So, what can we do? Retrofitting our homes with insulation and double glazing can help, but it’s not always feasible or affordable. That’s why the government is exploring mass retrofitting programs and promoting sustainable building practices.

In the meantime, there are simple steps we can take. Planting trees and using reflective paint on rooftops can help cool our cities. Keeping windows open at night and using curtains or blinds to block out the sun can make a difference at home. And remember, it’s not just about you. Every action, no matter how small, can help make our homes more comfortable and resilient.

As Dr. Grima puts it, “Malta’s housing stock is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. An opportunity to rethink how we live, to create homes that are not just places to sleep, but places to thrive in the face of a changing climate.”