Gas and firewood are selling faster than usual for this time of year as the cold continues to bite and people are advised to make sure they are stocked up.

Low temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old with chronic disease

While Malta may have been spared the sub-zero weather whipping most of Europe, the temperature was last night still expected to drop to a decidedly chilly four or five degrees Celsius.

Gas distributors yesterday reported higher than average sales of cylinders. “Gas cylinders always sell fast in January and February but the current bout of cold weather has lasted longer than usual and the demand is much higher than last year,” one distributor told The Times.

Firewood is also in heavy demand, with a spokesman for Johnsons Stores in Msida saying sales have surpassed the normal trends.

“It is very cold and people are flocking to buy wood and fire starters,” she said.

The cold temperature, made worse by north westerly winds, is almost half the average for this time of year, according to a spokesman for Malta International Airport’s Met Office.

But if last night felt cold, it was not the coldest February night ever. On February 8, 1956, the temperature had dropped to 1.7°C.

The Met Office is expecting the maximum temperature today to hover around 10°C – below the maximum average of 15.6°C – but the spokesman said it might actually feel like 5°C because of the strong wind (known as the wind chill factor).

The minimum tonight is expected to drop to about 6°C and the weather will remain unstable with the prospect of rain showers.

“If it rains, it is likely that hail will form,” the spokesman said.

Temperatures are expected to pick up on Wednesday even if they will still be below the monthly average.

The cold weather has also prompted the Civil Protection Department to issue a warning for motorists to drive carefully because of the possibility of hail.

And the Superintendence of Public Health advised people on the importance of keeping warm.

“Low temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old and those who suffer from chronic disease,” the Superintendence said.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com

Keep the cold at bay

To avoid the effects of cold temperatures it is important to:

• Limit your exposure to cold.

• Keep your living environment warm. Having the building properly insulated, keeping curtains drawn and windows and doors closed will reduce the amount of supplementary heating required to ensure an adequate ambient temperature in the rooms.

• Ensure you have an adequate supply of heaters and spare fuel supplies. Keep open flames away from flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture and loose clothing.

• Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing rather than one thick layer.

• Always wear a head covering, like a hat and/or scarf, when outdoors.

• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during ­winter.

• Regularly check on those who are elderly and/or chronically ill.

• Keep as active as possible. Individuals with a known heart condition should, however, avoid physical exertion in colder temperatures.

• Symptoms of hypothermia can include: constant shivering, tiredness, low energy, cold or pale skin, and in more severe cases even confusion, a weak pulse and loss of consciousness.

• Ask for medical advice when in doubt.