Get ready! Portugal braces for intense heat

A hot air mass from North Africa will increase temperatures in several parts of the northern and central interior in the coming days. Until this FridayFaro, Lisbon and Leiria have avoided the IPMA yellow alert for hot weather. The situation will worsen tomorrow from 9am in the districts of Guarda, Viseu, Castelo Branco, Bragança and Vila Real, which are currently under orange alert. In the Castelo Branco area, maximum temperatures of 40 degrees are expected on Saturday during the day.

“In the coming days the wind will weaken and thus the relief that is currently felt will decrease. Therefore, in most of the territory, especially in the north, in the center and in the interior, the temperatures will increase,” Alessandro Marraccini, IPMA meteorologist, told CM.

With rising temperatures, the risk of rural fires also increases. There are 14,155 personnel, 3,162 crews and 3,174 vehicles on the ground as part of the Special Rural Firefighting Vehicle, which was reinforced early last month and will be supported by 70 aircraft until September 30. “The winds will not be strong, but high temperatures and low relative humidity increase the risk of fires, which will be maximised in many parts of the country,” the meteorologist added.

For those heading south for the traditional August holidays, take note: temperatures in Faro County will remain above 30 degrees until next week. Minimum temperatures throughout mainland Portugal will range from 15 to 21 degrees. As for sea water, temperatures along the entire southern coast will range from 21 to 22 degrees, while on the west coast they will range from 15 to 18 degrees.

From the beginning of next week, a slight decrease in maximum temperatures is predicted in the north, in the center and inland, as well as winds that will gradually subside.

DETAILS

Heat waves
Heat waves mainly affect the regions of the interior north and center (Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu and Guarda) and the Alentejo (Setúbal,
Evora and Beja).

Avoid the sun
Older adults, children, and patients with chronic cardiovascular disease should avoid risky behaviors such as prolonged sun exposure.

Beach care
Bathers should avoid the beach during the hottest hours, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen, which should be reapplied regularly.

AND

2 million for water

Spain will pay Portugal two million euros a year for water taken from the Alqueva dam, Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho said. The agreement will be signed on September 26 in Madrid between the two countries. The meeting will also discuss issues related to the Tagus and Guadiana rivers.

Affected population

The World Meteorological Organization said yesterday that July’s heatwave had “devastating effects” on hundreds of millions of people, with at least ten countries recording daytime temperatures above 50C. It said the data was another indicator of how greenhouse gases were changing the climate.