Four districts face an orange alert due to high temperatures, with a subsequent cooling trend on the horizon.
Heatwave Alerts Issued Across Portugal: Orange Alert for Northern and Central Districts, Yellow Alert for Madeira
Portugal is currently experiencing a heatwave, with the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) issuing alerts for several districts due to the high risk of extreme heat and wildfire danger.
The districts of Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu, and Guarda are under an orange alert until 6:00 PM on Friday. This indicates a high risk of extreme heat (temperatures between 36°C and 44°C) and an elevated wildfire danger due to hot weather and low humidity conditions. The remainder of the mainland districts have no alerts.
Temperatures in the districts under the orange alert are expected to range between 34°C and 38°C. The alert for Madeira is due to hot weather conditions as well, but it is a yellow alert, the least severe of a three-level scale. The mountainous regions of Madeira are under the yellow alert, but the alert does not affect the entire island of Madeira.
The potential impacts of the heatwave include heat-related health risks, increased wildfire risk, disruptions to daily life and outdoor work, restrictions on access to forests and rural areas, and possible evacuations in severely affected zones.
To mitigate these risks, the Portuguese government has issued several precautions. People are advised to avoid access to forest and rural areas, to not use fireworks, burning, or operations with machinery in these zones to avoid ignition sources, to stay hydrated, to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and to seek cool or air-conditioned environments.
Official warnings and updates from civil protection and meteorological agencies should be followed, and individuals should prepare for possible evacuation orders if wildfires approach populated areas. Vulnerable individuals should be monitored and assisted by ensuring they have adequate cooling and hydration.
These measures follow official Portuguese government directives and forest fire defense plans issued due to the extreme heatwave arriving from North Africa, expected to last until at least Friday afternoon, with a slight temperature drop expected on the west coast on that day.
References:
[1] Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) - [Link] [2] Portuguese Civil Protection Authority - [Link] [3] Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANPCPC) - [Link] [4] Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) - [Link]
- In the ongoing heatwave, it's crucial to note that the science of environmental-science plays a significant role in predicting and understanding such weather patterns.
- Considering the high temperatures and wildfire risks associated with the heatwave, it's advisable to take precautions and adjust our daily activities based on environmental-science principles to ensure our safety and well-being.
