No respite
● ‘People eating less, drinking less coffee and more water’
Temperatures over the next few days are expected to remain as high as 37°C as heatwave ‘Lucifer’ scorches Europe. Malta’s popular beaches provided no respite, with the sea temperature exceeding 30°C. Photo: Michael Camilleri
The almost unbearable heat which has been lingering over Malta in the past few weeks has resulted in a decrease in the number of people going to eat out at restaurants. The heatwave is said to be the third one this summer so far.
Speaking to The Malta Independent, one restaurateur and hotel owner said that there had not been much change in the number of tourists eating out, but noted a “slight drop in locals.”
Another restaurateur responsible for a number of restaurants informed this newspaper that he experienced less traffic at lunchtime, particularly in cafés, but said that evening traffic had remained unchanged.
Even in the evening, nonetheless, “people tend to eat a bit less, consume a little less alcohol, eat lighter dishes and drink more water,” he said.
When contacted, a café owner told this newspaper that they had not experienced any change in the number of customers save for lunchtime last Saturday, when the heatwave was at its peak and the usually-bustling place was left with more empty tables than usual.
A warning issued by the health division this week advises the public not to stay in the sun between 10am and 4pm, and to remain in the coolest parts of homes and other buildings. Drinking water regularly is also advised.
The heatwave, which has been called ‘Lucifer’, has affected many countries all over Europe, with Italy and the Balkans bearing the brunt of the searing heat.
Temperatures are set to remain as high as 37˚C until Thursday, dropping to 35˚C on Friday and 31˚C on Saturday. Over the coming days, the UV index will measure between 9 and 10.
The Malta International Airport Meteorological Office has advised the public to drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty, avoid drinks containing alcohol, sugars, and caffeine, as these can have a dehydrating effect, limit exposure to direct sunlight and avoid darkcoloured clothing and synthetic materials.