Heat Health Action Plan activated as temperatures set to hit 41°C

Updated 3.09pm

Public health authorities have activated Malta's Heat Health Action Plan as forecasts raised weekend temperatures to a blistering 41°C, with cooling centres opening to support vulnerable people during the heatwave.

The escalation comes a day after the Met Office issued a red heat warning as forecasts now indicate temperatures will reach 41°C between Saturday and Tuesday, making it the hottest weekend of the summer so far.

On Friday, public health authorities said they have "escalated" the Heat Health Action Plan in response to the forecast heatwave to prepare for potential health impacts. 

Cooling centres in various localities are being activated to support highly vulnerable individuals who may not have access to adequate cooling facilities at home.

Meteorologists are forecasting highs of 41°C on Saturday and Monday and 40°C on Sunday and Tuesday. Nighttime lows will range between 28°C and 29°C across the next four days. 

The rising temperatures have triggered urgent directives from health authorities. The Health Ministry is urging the public to keep cool, stay out of the sun, and drink water.

In a statement, the Superintendence of Public Health warned high temperatures cause water to be lost from the body at quick rates resulting in dehydration.

"Look out for signs of dehydration: increased thirst, a dry mouth, dark urine, and passing urine less frequently and in small amounts," the health authorities said.

High temperatures can also lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is caused by loss of water and salt through sweating. Common symptoms include feeling weak, faint or sick, headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, heavy sweating and intense thirst. 

Health authorities also warned about the risk of "serious harm" in older people especially those over 75 years, babies and children, those with chronic health conditions, people with mental health problems, people working outdoors and those who are on certain medications such as Lithium.

Earlier this week, the Malta Red Cross warned that the extreme heat should not be underestimated, after a young person lost consciousness and suffered heatstroke.

A prior midweek forecast estimated “feels like” temperatures would peak at 42°C on Saturday before easing to 37°C by Monday. However, the upgraded warnings indicate that peak air temperatures will persist longer than initially anticipated.

The predicted highs are well above July averages and will classify as a heatwave - a minimum of three consecutive days in which temperatures exceed monthly maximum averages. Last year, the average maximum temperature in July stood at 33.2°C. 

For medical advice call 21231231 or 112 for emergency care.

Stay safe abroad

Malta is not the only country with high temperatures, as Europe is also facing record-breaking summer temperatures. In countries like Spain, France, and Italy, temperatures have reached over 40°C.

This heat has sparked an intense drought and wildfire risks across France, Spain, Portugal and Greece.

Continental Europe is increasingly experiencing "tropical nights" with temperatures above 20°C.  Normally, cooler temperatures at night help the body release the heat it accumulated during the day and recover. When nights remain warm, this natural cooling process is disrupted, increasing the risk of heat stress.

While many Maltese homes are equipped to cope with extreme heat, with air conditioning units installed in 84 per cent of residences, most homes across Europe are not. 

In 2022 alone, approximately 70,000 people died from heat across the EU. Elderly people, young children, people with underlying health conditions, and those working outdoors are among the most vulnerable.

Health authorities suggested tourists should visit attractions in the cooler mornings or evenings, carry a refillable water bottle and "sip frequently even if you don't feel thirsty". 

"Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of large meals and opt for fruits and salads," the health authorities said.

Rising temperatures, more electricity demand

Malta's increased reliance on air conditioning, growing population and rising temperatures have led to consecutive years of record electricity demand on the national grid. 

That, in turn, has led to major summertime power cuts that leave people without electricity at times when they most need it. On Thursday, people across Mġarr, Manikata and Qawra all reported being left without power. As of Friday morning, Enemalta was reporting a high-tension outage affecting a neighbourhood in Mellieħa. 

Run postponed

Decathlon Malta cancelled its 5km run which was planned to celebrate the inauguration of its new outlet at St George’s Bay.

The event was postponed “due to the extreme heatwave”.

In a Facebook post just hours before the scheduled run, Decathlon said runners’ safety ”is our absolute priority”,  adding that running in such high temperatures “poses serious risks”.