Malawians Told to Drink Plenty of Water as Heatwave Looms

Malawians have been advised to drink plenty of safe water and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as a heatwave is expected to affect 13 districts in the Southern Region from today through to Friday next week.

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has identified Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mwanza, Neno, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Mulanje, Phalombe, Zomba, Machinga, Ntcheu and Balaka as the districts likely to be most affected.

According to the department, a persistent warm easterly air mass is expected to push temperatures unusually high, above normal levels, during the forecast period.

The department said northern and central lakeshore areas would experience minimal heatwave conditions, although temperatures are expected to remain high at between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius.

Authorities have also advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight between 10:00 and 15:00, when the heat may be particularly intense.

The elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses have been urged to take extra precautions by staying in cool, shaded or well-ventilated places.

The public has further been encouraged to limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.