Prolonged heat advisory issued for eight districts, expected to last until Thursday
Portugal Under Heat Alert: Forest Fires, Dehydration Risks, and Prohibitions
Portugal is currently experiencing a heatwave, with ten districts on mainland Portugal under an orange alert due to the high temperatures. The Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) has issued this alert, warning of the risk of forest fires.
The orange alert is in effect for Bragança, Évora, Guarda, Beja, Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Faro, Setúbal, Santarém, and Lisbon, with the alert remaining until 18:00 on Thursday. In Coimbra, Aveiro, and Leiria, the alert is in effect until 18:00 on Wednesday and between 06:00 and 18:00 on Thursday. Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Braga are under yellow alert until 18:00 on Thursday. Viseu and Vila Real districts switch to yellow alert from 18:00 on Wednesday, returning to orange alert between 06:00 and 18:00 on Thursday.
Due to the heatwave, the realization of burns and fires, with authorizations for this period, have been suspended. The use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices is prohibited. Access, circulation, and presence in forest areas are also prohibited. Work in forest and rural areas with the use of machinery is also prohibited.
High temperatures can lead to dehydration and related heat illnesses, especially in the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration during heatwaves can include early signs such as muscle cramps, swelling, passing out, irritability, anxiety, and lower frustration tolerance due to altered serotonin and cortisol activity. Heat exhaustion symptoms may include heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, rapid weak pulse, rapid breathing, and elevated body temperature (typically below 40°C / 104°F). Heat stroke symptoms, or severe dehydration, can include confusion, seizures, coma, and central nervous system dysfunction with core body temperature exceeding 40°C (104°F).
Portuguese health authorities emphasize the importance of hydration, staying cool, and wearing light clothing during such heat events. They also advise monitoring vulnerable populations to prevent serious complications.
Scientists have warned of increasingly frequent and intense heat waves, with the alert situation in Portugal renewed until August 13. It is crucial for everyone to take precautions and stay informed during these extreme weather conditions.
- The current heatwave in Portugal, as forseen by scientists, is linked to climate-change, posing a significant threat to both environmental-science and weather, particularly through the risk of forest fires.
- Amidst the ongoing heatwave, Portugese health authorities warn of dehydration risks and related heat illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
