Malta braces for second heatwave with 'feels like' 46°C
Temperatures to exceed 38°C this weekend, with humidity pushing the 'feels like' reading to 46°C. Businesses face operational challenges.
Malta is set to experience its second heatwave of the meteorological summer this weekend, with maximum temperatures expected to exceed 38°C. That is almost 6°C above the climatic norm for August.
Due to high humidity, the 'feels like' temperature is forecast to reach 46°C. The Meteorological Office has an Orange Weather Warning in force.
The heatwave is driven by an African anticyclone sustained by an upper-atmospheric pattern known as an 'Omega Block'. This system is expected to retreat southwards from the beginning of next week, bringing some relief.
A layer of airborne dust from western Algeria is currently suspended over the Central Mediterranean. It partially shielded the islands from direct solar radiation on Thursday, limiting the actual temperature to 34.2°C. Without that dust, temperatures would likely have been considerably higher.
The dust is expected to remain over the region for the coming days before shifting eastwards from Wednesday next week.
For businesses, the heatwave presents several operational challenges. Outdoor work becomes more hazardous, particularly during the hottest hours between 11am and 4pm. Employers must manage worker safety and productivity.
Tourism and hospitality sectors face increased demand for air conditioning and cooling, while footfall in retail and dining may shift to cooler evening hours. Energy demand is likely to spike, putting pressure on the grid.
The sea surface temperature currently stands at 30°C, around 3°C above the climatic norm. A new record of 31.1°C was set on August 11. This warmer sea contributes to the high humidity.
The highest temperature recorded this week was 41.2°C on Wednesday. The all-time August record remains 43.8°C, measured on August 9, 1999.
Temperatures are expected to drop by around 4°C between Sunday and Monday, ending this heatwave after three days. The first heatwave of the summer lasted seven days, from July 16 to 22.
August has remained completely dry so far. The last rainfall recorded at the Meteorological Office's Luqa station dates to May 16.
The Superintendence of Public Health has urged the public to take necessary precautions. Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to serious health effects, particularly for older persons, infants, young children, pregnant women, persons with chronic conditions, and those working or exercising outdoors.
Guidelines include drinking water regularly, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm, staying in cool or air-conditioned environments, wearing light-coloured clothing, and checking on vulnerable individuals.
Businesses with outdoor operations or vulnerable staff should review their heat management protocols. The coming days will test how well Malta's economy can adapt to increasingly extreme summer conditions.