The 14-day weather forecast issued by Malta International Airport warns that, in the early days of August, temperatures may rise to 40˚C and even 41˚C.

If this proves to be correct, people need to be aware of the dangers of this extreme heat. They will make the current 34˚C/35˚C seem mild by comparison. When temperatures rise above blood heat there is almost no way, short of using air-conditioning, of keeping cool. Only older houses, with thick stone walls, will give any relief.

The government needs to take action now, not when the super temperatures arrive. When the thermometer rises above 40˚C there are invariably deaths, through dehydration and heatstroke, among people who cannot or do not take protective measures. Regular warnings through the media need to be made on how to prepare for extreme temperatures.

People particularly at risk are the elderly and the young. Also, teenagers and pale-skinned tourists who do not realise the dangers. Others at risk are people whose livelihoods depend on working outdoors, such as construction workers and garbage collectors. Farmers will be too sensible to put themselves at risk. Animals need special consideration. Tarmac will be too hot for their paws during the hottest part of the day and they will very quickly die if left in cars in the sunlight.

Hospitals may expect an increase in numbers of people suffering from sunburn, heatstroke and heat exhaustion. The electricity companies should expect a huge surge in power consumption by people with air-conditioners who normally rarely use them. Fans will offer little relief if they are simply blowing hot air at you.

I am not a doctor but I experienced such temperatures in Cyprus 60 years ago as a fit young man and I write from experience.