Intense heat and robust winds expected to persist indoors until Friday.
Portugal Braces for Continued High Temperatures and Fire Risk
Portugal is currently grappling with an elevated fire risk, as temperatures soar and dry conditions persist. According to meteorological reports, the interior of the country will remain very hot with winds sometimes strong, especially in the highlands.
The districts of Bragança and Vila Real have already seen temperatures around 39 degrees, and a total of 5,963 fires have broken out in Portugal this year. Despite the lack of specific predictions for the Algarve region from Friday to Monday, August 18, it's essential to understand the typical weather conditions in the Algarve during August and how they might impact fire risk.
August is one of the warmest months in the Algarve, with average highs around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F). The region experiences a dry climate, with low humidity levels and minimal precipitation during August. There is ample sunshine throughout the month, and the wind is typically gentle.
These high temperatures and dry conditions can contribute to increased fire risk by drying out vegetation and making it more susceptible to igniting. While gentle winds might help reduce the spread of fires, strong gusts could increase the risk of fire spreading quickly.
As of now, Portugal is in a state of alert due to the risk of rural fire. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that Friday will be the most complicated day regarding fires. However, there is a forecast for a "relief in temperatures" on Saturday and Sunday throughout the country, except for the Algarve where they will increase.
The improved conditions starting from Monday should help in fighting fires in the Center and North regions of the country. Southerly winds, sometimes strong, will accompany the high temperatures, increasing the fire risk. Since August 2, 63,247 hectares of forest areas have burned in Portugal. Most of the fires have occurred in the North and Center regions.
To assess the current fire risk accurately, it's crucial to check the latest weather forecasts and fire danger ratings for specific regions. Real-time updates can be found on local weather services or fire safety websites. Meteorological conditions are expected to improve from Monday, providing some relief to firefighters battling blazes across the country.
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