Malawi swelters in record heat with temperatures nearly 20C above average

A lone man on the shore of Lake Malawi mends his fishing net. Temperatures are 6C (10.8F) hotter than the previous record, set in 2020. Photograph: Alan Bramley/Alamy

Malawians endured the country’s hottest weekend on record, with temperatures reaching nearly 20C above the seasonal average.

The heatwave began last Thursday with the government warning people to stay out of the sun, to keep hydrated, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Some school buildings in the south of the country were evacuated, and children were taught in the shade of playground trees.