Malawians are on high alert as they face the imminent threat of an extreme heatwave, which could push temperatures to a scorching 44°C.
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| Malawi is about to have a peak heat wave, about 44 degrees Celsius. (Source: Malawi 24) |
Authorities are urging people to exercise caution by avoiding alcohol and caffeine as these drinks can lead to dehydration in such harsh conditions.
The country's meteorological agency warned that although high temperatures are not uncommon in October, heat waves are expected to become more frequent and severe due to the impact of climate change.
The dire situation mirrors the intense heatwaves that plagued parts of North Africa, Europe, the US and Mexico in July.
Climate experts are sounding the alarm for 2023, predicting it will be a record-setting year for temperatures.
This unexpected milestone is attributed to increasingly warming emissions and the effects of El Niño weather phenomena.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services in Malawi has issued an advisory, warning people to prepare for prolonged hot and uncomfortable weather, which is forecast to last until this weekend.
Maximum temperatures are expected to be 44°C in the southern Shire Valley and 40°C in northern areas along Lake Malawi.
