Public to start receiving SMS warnings of heatwaves

The public will start receiving a text message warning them of any upcoming heatwaves, with advice on what to do during periods of intense heat. 

The new warning system is a collaboration between the Health Ministry and the Meteorological Office and is part of a plan launched by the Ministry to address heatwaves. 

The announcement comes as Malta is expecting a week of sweltering heat, with temperatures forecast to feel above 40°C for consecutive days. 

An example of the SMS notifications being sent.

According to the Meteorological Office, the air temperature is forecast to range between 32°C and 40°C.

The Met Office said it will feel around 39°C on Monday, peaking at 42°C on Tuesday, before dipping slightly to 41°C on Wednesday and dipping once again to 38°C  on both Thursday and Friday.

The average daily high in Malta in mid-July is around 31-32 °C. 

Malta's forecast this week. Photo: MIA

The ministry also announced the establishment of 'day centres' to provide shelter from the intense heat for vulnerable people. Such shelters will be accessible to people with specific medical conditions and access will be facilitated by the Primary Care Support Centre.

A list of the day centres found in various locations will be provided to those vulnerable individuals. 

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said extreme heat can cause physical problems that may lead to irreversible damage to vital organs, such as the kidneys, heart and brain.

"Therefore, we are doing everything possible to prevent this and ensure no life is lost," he said, stressing the importance of sun protection and hydration.

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela on Monday. Photo: DOI

A recent study revealed how Malta could see the number of deaths from heat exposure skyrocket over the next century if the world fails to address climate change.

The study, published in Nature magazine, warned that Malta could see the number of heat-related deaths rise to 269 per 100,000 by 2095 - almost three times the rate seen at the start of the century -  should temperatures climb by as much as 4°C.

A total of 80 'excess deaths' were recorded during a heatwave that hit Malta in 2023, the Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci revealed last year.

'Excess deaths' refer to the number of deaths from all causes during a crisis above and beyond what we would have expected to see under 'normal' conditions. 

Individuals seeking information on the day centres can call 21231231. The ministry encouraged people to call 1400 in urgent situations or 112 in case of emergencies.