The Directorate General of Health advised children, the elderly and patients with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to stay at home while dust from North Africa, expected on Thursday, remains in the air.
The DGS adds that due to their greater vulnerability to the effects of this phenomenon, these groups, in addition to following recommendations for the general population, should, whenever possible, remain inside buildings and preferably with windows closed.
For the general population, health authorities recommend avoiding prolonged exercise, limiting outdoor physical activity, and avoiding exposure to risk factors such as tobacco smoke and contact with irritating products.
A DGS note published on the website states that “an air mass coming from the North African deserts carrying suspended dust is expected to cross mainland Portugal during 6 June 2024 and may remain as of 7 June 2024.”
The continent is expected to experience a situation of poor air quality with an increase in the concentration of respirable particles of natural origin in the air, affecting in particular the Algarve, Alentejo and Centro regions.
Precipitation in the Central and Southern regions will lead to a decrease in dust concentrations in the atmosphere.
“It is estimated that this natural phenomenon may contribute to an increase in the concentration of suspended particulate matter (PM10) from 05 to 20 µg/m3 in the coastal regions of the Algarve and Alentejo and an increase in the concentration of PM10 from 20 to 50 µg/m3 in the inland regions of the Algarve, Alentejo and Center”, – reports the health authority.
According to the DGS, this pollutant (respirable particles – PM10) has an impact on human health, especially on the most vulnerable group of the population, children and the elderly, whose health care must be strengthened during such situations.
In accordance with this forecast, the DGS also recommends that chronically ill patients continue treatment and, if symptoms worsen, contact Linha Saúde 24 (808 24 24 24) or seek medical help.
Starting Thursday, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts that “the weather on the Portuguese mainland will be affected by a depression expressed at altitude, centered over the Madeira region, moving northeast.” promoting circulation from the southern quadrant across the continent and transport of dust from North Africa.”
As such, Thursday is expected to increase in cloud cover “with a low chance of precipitation which, if it occurs, will result in the deposition of dust on surfaces,” a situation that is expected to continue into Friday, but with “increased cloud cover.” instability,” showers are expected this afternoon, which may be heavy at times with hail and thunderstorms.
On Saturday and Sunday, the dust concentration will decrease, while showers will continue until the 10th, most likely in the northern and central regions, sometimes with hail and accompanied by thunderstorms.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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