Malta Swelters: Heatwave Brings 37°C Temperatures

As the sun begins to beat down on the bustling streets of Republic Street in Valletta, locals and tourists alike are bracing themselves for a scorcher. The Malta Weather Service has issued a weather warning, forecasting temperatures to feel as hot as 37°C. But what does this mean for the tiny Mediterranean island, and how are its residents preparing?

Heatwave Hits Malta

The heatwave, set to last until Friday, is the result of a high-pressure system over the central Mediterranean. This system is pushing hot air up from North Africa, making our usual Mediterranean climate feel more like the Sahara. The last time temperatures reached these heights was back in August 2020.

Feeling the Heat

Malta’s unique geography amplifies the heat. With its low elevation and lack of tall buildings, there’s little respite from the sun. In the heart of Sliema, where high-rise apartments line the seafront, residents are finding it hard to escape the heat. “It’s like living in an oven,” complains Maria, a long-time resident. “I’ve had to close my windows and turn on the air conditioning, but it’s not enough. I just want to hide indoors until it’s over.”

But not everyone has the luxury of air conditioning. In the older parts of towns like Rabat and Żebbuġ, where many homes are built from traditional limestone, the heat can be intense. “It’s like living in a stone furnace,” says Joseph, a Rabat resident. “I’ve had to move my bed into the living room, it’s the only room with a fan.”

Preparing for the Heat

With the heatwave set to last several days, Malta’s residents are finding ways to cope. Many are stocking up on water, with supermarkets reporting a surge in sales. “We’ve had to restock our water shelves three times this week,” says a cashier at a supermarket in Msida. “People are buying in bulk, and we’re expecting more deliveries later today.”

Local councils are also doing their part. They’re opening public spaces like gardens and squares for people to cool off, and even providing free water refills. The Valletta Local Council has set up water stations around the city, with signs encouraging people to “Drink Up, Malta!”

But it’s not just about staying hydrated. The Malta Health Network is warning people to avoid the sun during peak hours, and to wear loose, light-colored clothing. They’re also reminding people to check on the elderly and vulnerable, who are most at risk in the heat.

Impact on Tourism

The heatwave is also having an impact on Malta’s tourism industry. While some tourists are relishing the opportunity to top up their tans on the island’s beaches, others are finding the heat too much to bear. “I’ve never felt heat like this in my life,” says Sarah, a tourist from the UK. “I thought Malta would be a cool place to visit in the summer, but it’s boiling!”

Tourism operators are feeling the heat too. “We’ve had to adjust our tours to start earlier in the morning and finish later in the afternoon,” says Mark, a tour guide in Mdina. “And we’re making sure to provide plenty of water for our clients.”

The Malta Weather Service predicts that the heatwave will start to ease off on Friday, with temperatures expected to drop back to their usual summer highs. But with climate change making heatwaves more frequent and intense, Malta’s residents and tourists will need to be prepared for more scorching summers to come.

“This heatwave is a wake-up call,” says Dr. Alexei Alexiev, a climate scientist at the University of Malta. “We need to start thinking about how we can adapt to a hotter climate, and how we can protect the most vulnerable members of our society.”