Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545950
8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 24 JULY 2026 CULTURE WEDNESDAY marked the end of a seven-day heatwave, dur- ing which the Meteorological Office recorded the highest temperature ever measured in July over the past 100 years: 43.3°C. This record tempera- ture was measured on Satur- day 18th July, and is just 0.5°C below Malta's all-time highest temperature, which stands at 43.8°C, recorded in August 1999. The first heatwave of 2026 began on Thursday 16th July, when temperatures reached 38.1°C. Although the tem- perature dropped slightly to 36.8°C the following day, it still remained 5°C above July's mean maximum temperature (31.7°C). From then onwards, temperatures consistently ex- ceeded 38°C, with the highest temperature recorded by the Meteorological Office remain- ing above 42°C over the last three days. This also marked the first time on record that temperatures exceeded the 42°C mark for three consecu- tive days, prompting the Mete- orological Office to issue a Red Weather Warning, its highest level of warning. The heatwave was caused by a bulge of high pressure stretching from North Africa across the central Mediterra- nean, sandwiched between two cooler low-pressure systems. Meteorologists call this weath- er pattern an Omega Block because on weather maps it re- sembles the Greek letter Ω. It is a slow-moving system, which is the reason why the hot, dry weather continued over the central Mediterranean for such a prolonged period of time. Although the heatwave is ex- pected to end today, this does not mean that cooler weather is on the way. Temperatures over the coming days are forecast to return closer to the July climat- ic average, ranging between 33°C and 35°C. These temper- atures are still considered high, and the Meteorological Office is expected to issue a Yellow Weather Warning, encour- aging the public to continue avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and to follow the heat-related advice regu- larly issued by the health au- thorities. Overnight, winds are expect- ed to shift to an east-southeast- erly direction, causing humid- ity levels to rise and making conditions feel more uncom- fortable. On Friday, moderate to rather strong northwester- ly winds are forecast, offering some temporary relief from the heat. However, these con- ditions will be short-lived, with winds expected to veer back to a southerly direction over the weekend. The public is encouraged to continue taking the necessary precautions and to pay particu- lar attention to the wellbeing of children and vulnerable indi- viduals. For the latest forecasts and weather updates, visit mal- tametoffice.com. Blue Flag educational sessions return to Gozo beaches for Skola Sajf students NATURE Trust – FEE Mal- ta's Gozo section is once again hosting educational sessions at Blue Flag beaches, introducing children to environmental pro- tection and sustainable coastal practices. Nature Trust – FEE Malta's Gozo section has resumed its annual Blue Flag educational ses- sions, welcoming Skola Sajf stu- dents to Gozo's Blue Flag beaches throughout the summer. The initiative aims to familiarise children with the international Blue Flag award and the environ- mental, safety and sustainability standards beaches must meet to obtain the certification. Through interactive activities and discussions, students will learn about marine ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution preven- tion, sustainability and responsi- ble environmental behaviour. Nature Trust said the sessions are designed to encourage chil- dren to recognise how everyday actions can help protect the envi- ronment, from disposing of waste responsibly to reducing pollution and safeguarding marine life. The organisation said fostering environmental awareness from a young age can help promote cleaner beaches and healthier marine ecosystems for future generations. Seven-day heatwave comes to an end, but high temperatures to persist The initiative aims to familiarise children with the international Blue Flag award and the environmental, safety and sustainability standards beaches must meet to obtain the certification The public is encouraged to continue taking the necessary precautions and to pay particular attention to the wellbeing of children and vulnerable individuals