Malawi Schools Urged to Implement Heatwave Safeguards After Department Issues Alert
On March 12, 2024 the Department of Climate Change released a formal heatwave alert for the entire nation. Forecasts predict temperatures soaring to 38 °C in the capital Lilongwe by March 15, with humidity above 80 %. The alert calls for immediate action to protect learners and teachers from heat‑related illnesses. Failure to act could jeopardise health, attendance and learning outcomes across the country.
What Happened: Heatwave Alert Issued for Malawi Schools
According to a report by the Nyasa Times, the Department of Climate Change formally announced a heatwave warning on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The advisory covers all 28 districts, citing climate models that project a sustained temperature rise of at least 5 °C above seasonal averages for the next ten days. The agency highlighted Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and Zomba as hotspots, with the capital expected to reach
Despite higher temperatures, some studies show that brief, well‑timed outdoor breaks during a heatwave can actually improve student concentration by providing a mental reset.
