Top Posts
Death toll from Mokwa flood rises to 153
Scientists say nearly 40% of the world’s glaciers...
Nigerian government seeks alignment of NDC climate action...
German court dismisses climate case against RWE
WHO Climate Change action plan approved
Report: World likely to breach 1.5°C limit in...
At Bonn climate talks, Brazil demands early deals...
Researchers warn Africa could face 113 million climate...
LAPO MfB launches tree-planting initiative to fight climate...
Stiell says new NDCs are about growth, antidote...
EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World
Africa

Temperatures nearly 20C above average as Malawi swelters in record heat

by admineconai October 18, 2023
written by admineconai October 18, 2023
652

A new report has shown that Malawians endured the country’s hottest weekend on record, with temperatures reaching nearly 20C above the seasonal average.

The heatwave began last Thursday with the government warning people to stay out of the sun, to keep hydrated, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Some school buildings in the south of the country were evacuated, and children were taught in the shade of playground trees.

By Saturday, parts of Malawi saw a maximum temperature of 43C (109F), compared with an average of nearly 25C (77F) for the time of year, according to available reports. Although the temperatures had dropped by Monday, the country’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services warned of a “prolonged period of hot and uncomfortable weather” throughout October in an advisory.

Kick-off for Malawi’s Super League football matches was delayed for 30 minutes in an attempt to avoid the worst of the heat. Players were encouraged to take regular water breaks during matches.

Read also: New ranking shows Colombia, Mali leading efforts to improve air quality

Available reports show that Malawi experienced similar heat in November 2020, when a temperature of 37C was recorded. Experts are pointing to climate change as the cause of the extreme weather; global temperatures in 2023 have been the hottest on record.

“Even under the trees, there is still a hot breeze,” said a teacher at Jombo community secondary school in Chikwawa district, southern Malawi. “It’s very uncomfortable but we’ve not suspended classes, although students are struggling [to learn] due to too much heat.”

Elsewhere in the country, people have heeded the weather bureau’s recommendation to drink plenty of water throughout the day, “even if you don’t feel thirsty”.

The bureau also said: “Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause dehydration. Dress appropriately: wear light, loose-fitting clothing, and use sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful sunlight. Use hats, umbrellas and sunglasses.”

It further warned of serious health risks to vulnerable groups, such as elderly people, young children and those with health conditions, though there have not yet been any reports of rising hospital admissions or deaths.

Story was adapted from the Guardian.

20CAverageHeatMalawiTemperature
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
admineconai

previous post
New ranking shows Colombia, Mali leading efforts to improve air quality
next post
Australia revokes carbon neutral certification to big tobacco company

Related Posts

Researchers warn Africa could face 113 million climate...

May 23, 2025

Stiell says new NDCs are about growth, antidote...

May 21, 2025

AFDB, others move to address climate change

May 17, 2025

Report shows 2024 as hottest in Africa, warns...

May 12, 2025

Research shows two-thirds of global warming since 1990...

May 12, 2025

Survey shows Africans less likely to blame rich...

May 12, 2025

Magnitude 4.1 earthquake hits Marrakech

May 6, 2025

Eastern Caribbean youth call for co-leadership in climate...

April 16, 2025

Climate talks end with unified demand for climate...

April 16, 2025

Experts incorporate Artificial Intelligence in fight against Climate...

March 31, 2025

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Bloglovin
  • Vimeo

@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Eco-Nai+

EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World