Record breaking heat waves hitting Europe; Malta braces for infernal week

Jun 18 2022

Several European countries, including France and Spain, are bracing for an absolutely scorching June weekend which is set to break previously held temperature records.

With France registering temperatures slightly above 40 degrees Celsius, the peak of a June heat wave is set to scorch records in several Western European countries.

French weather forecaster Meteo France has warned that the June temperature records have already been beaten in 11 areas on Friday, reaching up as high as 42 degrees Celsius in some areas on Saturday.

This all backs constant warnings by scientists about climate change, with the phenomenon of heat waves hitting earlier than usual. In Spain, forest fires have started to ravage acres of land, forcing people from their homes and up to 3,000 people from a theme park in Central Spain.

But what about Malta? According to local weather forecast portals, Saturday is set to be partly cloudy with temperatures feeling like 29 degrees Celsius. This is set to increase to 31 degrees Celsius by tomorrow however, and climbing up throughout the week to a whopping 37.

According to Facebook page Malta Weather, strong northwesterly winds and the odd thunderstorm could interrupt the heatwaves as high pressure settles over Northern Europe. What do you make of all this?

#MaltaDaily

“We’re suffocated with buildings and cars”, says former minister Evarist Bartolo

Jun 17 2022

Earlier today, former minister Evarist Bartolo took to Facebook to share a few concerns relating to Malta’s population density and subsequent building and transport problems.

“How many people can Malta withstand? We feel suffocated with 516,000 people. Suffocated with buildings. Suffocated with cars,” Bartolo stated. He went on to state that in a few years the populations is expected to reach 668,000 and if we keep increasing at this rate, we will need more buildings, cars, hospital service, water, electricity and other public services.

The former minister stated that we would be irresponsible if we had to leave these questions unanswered and to be addressed by the next generation. “The next generation is already born. It is not just to leave them with such problems. If we love our children and our children’s children we should leave them a better country, not one which is worse.”

Local environmental activists such as independent Zebbug councillor Steve Zammit Lupi and artist Steve Bonello commented on the post to address the fact that it is a bit late to have such concerns, with Zammit Lupi highlighting that it was Bartolo’s government that widened the roads to make room for more cars.

What do you make of this?

#MaltaDaily

Service dog Dar lifts Bjorn Formosa’s spirits in wholesome TikTok video

Jun 17 2022

This week, service dog ‘Dar’ paid a surprise visit to the residents Dar Bjorn and lifted the spirits of those who were having an otherwise bad day!

@bjornformosaI was crying in pain this morning… then this happened! 😱

♬ Song for My Dog – Leslie Mosier

ALS patient and activist Bjorn Formosa took to TikTok to share that he spent the morning crying in pain, only to have his tears licked away by the service dog, cheering up his day!

“I was crying in pain this morning. He licked all my tears,” Formosa wrote in a TikTok video which has since garnered close to 15,000 views.

#MaltaDaily

“Can’t believe it’s been four years”; Pete Buttigieg wishes husband happy anniversary

Jun 17 2022

Earlier today, American politician and Secretary of Transport with Maltese descent Pete Buttigieg took to Facebook to wish his husband of 4 years, Chasten, a happy anniversary.

The post read “Can’t believe it’s been four years since we said “I do.” Happy Anniversary Chasten Buttigieg. I love you more than ever and am so grateful for the life we have built together.”

The 32-year-old ‘Mayor Pete’ and Chasten Buttigieg got married in 2018 and Buttigieg is the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in United States history.

Happy Anniversary!

#MaltaDaily