Some Relief as Malta’s Seven-Day Heatwave Officially Ends
Malta’s seven-day heatwave has officially come to an end, bringing some welcome relief after one of the most intense periods of July heat recorded by the Meteorological Office.
Temperatures are expected to settle at around 33°C to 35°C over the coming days. While these figures remain high, they are significantly lower than the temperatures exceeding 42°C experienced during the final days of the heatwave.
A yellow high-temperature warning is still expected, meaning the public should not put away the water bottles, hats and sunscreen just yet.
Why has the heatwave officially ended?
The word “heatwave” does not simply mean that the weather feels very hot.
In Malta, an official heatwave is recorded when daytime temperatures exceed the monthly average maximum by at least 5°C for three consecutive days or longer.
July’s average maximum temperature is 31.7°C. This means temperatures generally need to remain at around 36.7°C or higher for several consecutive days to meet the official definition.
With temperatures now expected to range from 33°C to 35°C, Malta will no longer meet that threshold, even though the weather will still feel hot.
In simple terms, the heatwave is over, but summer heat remains.
A record-breaking seven days
The heatwave began on 16 July, when the temperature reached 38.1°C. Conditions remained exceptionally hot over the following week.
The highest reading came on Saturday, 18 July, when the temperature reached 43.3°C at Luqa.
This was the highest July temperature recorded in Malta in more than a century and came just half a degree below the country’s all-time record of 43.8°C, registered in August 1999.
Malta also recorded temperatures of 42°C or higher for three consecutive days for the first time in the Meteorological Office’s available heatwave records.
What caused the prolonged heat?
According to the Meteorological Office, the heatwave was caused by an area of high pressure stretching from North Africa across the central Mediterranean.
This was trapped between two cooler low-pressure systems, creating what meteorologists describe as an Omega Block because of its shape on weather maps.
The weather pattern moved slowly, allowing very hot and dry conditions to remain over Malta for several days.
What should the public expect now?
Temperatures of 33°C to 35°C should feel more manageable than the extreme conditions experienced during the heatwave.
Moderate to rather strong northwesterly winds are also expected to offer some temporary relief, although changing wind directions could later bring increased humidity.
The end of the heatwave should therefore be seen as positive news, but not as the arrival of cool weather.
Simple precautions still matter
Health authorities continue to recommend drinking water regularly and avoiding unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between 11am and 4pm.
People should also:
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
- Use sunscreen and remain in the shade when possible
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours
- Never leave children, vulnerable people or animals inside parked vehicles
- Check regularly on older relatives, friends and neighbours, especially those living alone
Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps and intense thirst may indicate heat exhaustion. Medical advice is available on 2123 1231, while 112 should be called in an emergency involving possible heatstroke.
After seven difficult days, the easing temperatures are a welcome development. Staying informed and continuing with simple precautions will help everyone enjoy the return to more typical Maltese summer weather safely.
