Temperatures will remain a scorching 36 degrees Celsius every day until at least Thursday, according to the Met Office.

According to the Facebook page Gozo Weather Page, the high temperatures are a result of a hot and humid air mass associated with an extensive high pressure system from over Africa, which will increase high temperatures to between 36 C and 40 C from Saturday 18th till Thursday 23rd but may last longer.

“Nights will offer no relief with lows of 25 C and 26 C. This is a heatwave as daytime highs will exceed the climate mean of 31.4 C by more than 5 C on at least five consecutive days. The high humidity and light winds will push real feels up; between 38 C to 43 C during the day and around 28 C at night. The UV Index will be at the highest level of 11+.

The risk of grassfires will also be extremely high. The sky will be sunny or mainly sunny for much of the time with some low clouds and fog between dusk and dawn. The hottest days may be hazy.”

Precautions urged

The public is urged to take a number of precautions, including shutting windows and pulling down the shades during peak hours and staying in the coolest part of the building if possible.

You should also stay out of the sun and avoid going out between 11am and 3pm.

People are urged to have cool baths or showers and to drink cold drinks regularly but tea, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.

Loose clothing and hats should be worn outside. Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses. 

People who are less capable of looking after themselves should be checked on. Medical treatment should be sought n case of heat-related symptoms such as dizziness, muscle weakness, behavioral changes, rapid breath and heartbeat, nausea and vomiting.

Babies, young children, people with underlying conditions, pregnant women, the elderly and others whose job includes being physically active are at a greater risk.

Pets, and if possible even stray animals should also be kept in cool areas and have plenty of fresh drinking water. Pets should not be walked in the sun. Remember that the ground becomes hot and unbearable for four-legged friends that do not wear shoes. Pets should also not be left in closed vehicles.