Increased Alert Issued by Portuguese Administration due to Elevated Temperatures and Risk of Fires
Portugal is bracing for a state of alert starting from midnight on Sunday, August 1st, and lasting until 11:59pm on Thursday, August 7th. The decision, made by Minister of Internal Administration Maria Luícia Amaral on Saturday, comes in response to the worsening risk of wildfires due to a severe heatwave.
During this period, a prohibition of access, movement, and permanence within forest spaces will be enforced. Burning and burning activities, as well as the suspension of authorisations for such activities, will also be prohibited. The use of heavy machinery in rural areas will be banned, and all permits related to fireworks or incendiary materials will be suspended.
Over 1,800 firefighters have been deployed to battle the wildfires, with more than 200 vehicles mobilized to control ongoing fires and prevent new outbreaks. The orange warning, the second most serious on a scale of three, is issued by the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) when there is a meteorological situation of moderate to high risk.
The wildfires have already injured 19 people. The IPMA also indicates that "tropical nights are expected in most of the territory". A mass of hot air from North Africa will be over the Iberian Peninsula from Sunday, causing Portugal and Spain to experience even higher temperatures that could reach 45 degrees Celsius.
The severe episode of hot weather is expected to last until next Wednesday, with maximum temperatures of between 36°C and 40°C in most of the country, and between 41°C and 44°C in the interior of the Alentejo, the Tagus Valley, and the Douro Valley. Minimum temperatures in most of Portugal's territory are expected to vary between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius from Monday onwards.
Notably, Porto, Braga, Bragança, Viana do Castelo, and Vila Real will be on red alert on Monday. However, the maximum temperature is expected to drop in the Algarve on Monday, and may also occur along the rest of the coast and extend to Tuesday.
The government aims to prevent ignition sources by restricting activities that could spark fires during the critical period. It's important to note that there are some specific exceptions to these restrictions, which can be found on the Portuguese government portal.
Stay safe and follow the guidelines to help keep Portugal's beautiful landscapes intact during these challenging times.
[1] Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) [2] Portuguese Government Portal [3] Various news sources
- The severe heatwave creating a high risk of wildfires in Portugal has prompted environmental-science specialists at the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) to issue an orange warning.
- In an effort to manage climate-change impacts and prevent wildfires, the government has banned activities such as burning, heavy machinery use in rural areas, and the suspension of fireworks and incendiary materials permits.
- To stay updated on weather conditions and specific restrictions during this critical period, individuals are encouraged to visit the Portuguese Government Portal and various general-news sources.
