Malta Hit By Heatwave As Southern Europe Sizzles Past 40°C
Malta is sweltering as Southern Europe endures a severe heat wave, raising both health concerns and wildfire risks across the region.
Today, temperatures in Malta are expected to reach 33 °C, feeling closer to 35 °C, triggering a yellow warning from the Met Office, with temperatures expected to soar to 35°C, feeling like 39°C by Saturday.
This is just a taste of what’s affecting mainland Europe, where temperatures are climbing well past 40 °C.
Countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal are seeing dangerously high temperatures. Lisbon and Seville are flirting with 42 °C, and parts of Portugal are on high heat and wildfire alert.
Italy has introduced bans on outdoor work in regions like Lazio and Tuscany during peak hours, and over 21 major cities; Rome, Milan, Naples included, are under elevated heat warnings.
Greece is battling wildfires already. A blaze south of Athens forced evacuations near the Temple of Poseidon, mobilised 130 firefighters plus planes and helicopters, and closed roads. This extreme weather is being fuelled by two hot air masses, one from Africa, another from the US, plus a Mediterranean marine heat wave, a phenomenon scientists link to climate change.
Experts warn that extreme summer heat is becoming the new norm, with heat-related deaths in Europe rising by 30% over the past 20 years. A Lancet study projects that, without stronger climate action, heat-related mortality could quadruple by mid-century. Vulnerable communities; elderly people, young children and outdoor workers, are particularly at risk.
Authorities across the region are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exertion during peak hours, and look out for elderly or unwell relatives. In Malta, these same precautions apply as the heat persists throughout the week.
While cooler weather may arrive midweek in some parts of Europe, the heatwave is expected to linger across the Mediterranean. Residents of Malta and across Southern Europe should remain vigilant, heed warnings, and protect themselves as summer intensifies.
Do you attribute this to global warming?
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