Malawians in most parts of the southern region should brace for heat waves in the next six days, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has warned.

In a notice released on Thursday, it forecasts a prolonged period of hot and uncomfortable weather from Friday this week to Wednesday next week.

"During day time, in the Shire Valley, temperatures will exceed 43°C, which is +7 degrees more than average,” it warns.

In Mangochi, according to the Department of Climate and Meteorological Services, the temperature will reach 39°C +5 degrees more than average.

Southern Highlands, "The temperatures will hit 35° Celsius +10 degrees more than average. The excessive heat conditions are also expected to affect central and northern areas; hence the need to employ precautionary measures as temperatures are expected to be high at times."

Malawi is in its rainy season which will run until March/April 2025.

In the wake of the current La Niña weather, the MET department has forecast normal to above normal rainfall in the country this season.

It says the country will face above-average rainfall and potential flooding in many drought-affected districts during the November 2024 to April 2025 rainy season.

This follows a period of severe drought exacerbated by El Niño conditions the previous season.