DGS recommends heat protection measures in the coming days

The General Directorate of Health (GDS) has recommended a set of measures to protect against the negative effects of the extreme heat predicted for the next few days, such as avoiding exposure to high temperatures, hydration and attention to the most vulnerable groups.

Given that the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts an increase in temperatures from 9am on Friday, with maximum temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C, which has led to the worsening of the red level heat warnings in the Bragança and Vila Real areas for Friday and Saturday, DGS recommends taking protective measures.

Drink water even if you are not thirsty, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and try to stay in a cool, ventilated or air-conditioned room for at least two to three hours a day.

Also avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 11:00 and 17:00, use sunscreen with a factor equal to or greater than 30, and reapply it every two hours, as well as after swimming at the beach or in the pool.

You should wear light, lightweight, loose clothing that covers most of your body, a hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, and avoid activities that require a lot of physical effort, especially sports and leisure activities outdoors.

According to the DGS, the hottest hours should be chosen for driving rather than for sitting in parked vehicles exposed to the sun’s rays.

The health authority is drawing attention to the need to care for groups most vulnerable to heat, such as children, the elderly, chronically ill people, pregnant women, people with limited mobility, outdoor workers, those engaged in physical activity and isolated people.

According to IPMA, the areas of Bragança, Guarda and Vila Real will be under a red warning from Friday to Saturday due to high temperatures.

The red warning is the most severe of the three and indicates a meteorological situation of extreme risk.