The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (MET) has warned of heatwave in some parts of Malawi from October 18 to 23, 2026, with average temperatures forecast at 42 degrees Celsius.
In a statement issued yesterday, the department said the Southern Region will experience heatwave, while the Northern and Central regions and central lakeshore areas will experience minimal heatwave conditions.
“This is expected to be caused by a persistent warm easterly air mass over the country,” reads part of the statement.
The districts expected to be most affected include Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mwanza, Neno, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Mulanje, Phalombe, Zomba, Machinga, Balaka and southern parts of Mangochi.
MET’s forecast map indicates that temperatures in some areas can reach 42 degrees Celsius while areas under minimal category will experience temperatures of between 32 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius.
The department has advised people to drink water frequently, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between 10am and 3pm, and limit strenuous physical activities during the hottest hours.
MET has also urged people to keep vulnerable groups, including older people, children, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses, in cool, shaded or well-ventilated places.
It has further advised the public to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, severe weakness or severe headaches.
Public health expert and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Professor Adamson Muula said the warning highlights the challenges faced by people whose livelihoods depend on working outdoors, including street food vendors.
He observed that such workers may struggle to avoid direct sunlight because they cannot afford to stop working, even during periods of extreme heat.
Muula also highlighted the lack of public drinking-water points in towns and cities, arguing that communal taps in public spaces, including markets, can help people access water.
The warning comes after hot weather was recorded in parts of the country last week, with MET data indicating that temperatures in Chikwawa reached 38 degree Celsius on Wednesday.
In its 2026/27 rainfall season outlook, MET forecast warmer temperatures across most parts of Malawi.
