Severe heat advisory issued for multiple regions
Portugal Braces for Persistent Hot Weather and Increased Rural Fire Risk
According to the Portuguese Institute of Meteorology and Water Resources (IPMA), several districts in the country are under an alert status due to high temperatures and an increased risk of rural fires. The alert, in effect from 9am today until 9pm on Friday, affects Bragança, Vila Real, Lisbon, Castelo Branco, and Portalegre[1].
Starting from Thursday to Friday, these districts, as well as Bragança and Vila Real, will be under a yellow warning, according to the IPMA[1]. Mainland Portugal is expected to experience escalating temperatures until Saturday, with thermometers likely to reach over 33°C (91.4°F)[1]. This increase in temperature, coupled with a reduction in air humidity and strong winds, creates meteorological conditions that significantly amplify the threat of rural fires[1].
In light of the weather forecast, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) is urging the populace to adapt their behavior, given the heightened risk of fires[1]. The Special Rural Fighting Device (DECIR/25) has been activated, mobilizing approximately 8,900 operatives, 1,800 vehicles, and 33 aerial resources to combat potential fires[1].
In response to the hot weather prediction, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) has advised preventive measures, including regular water consumption and avoiding alcoholic beverages[1]. The DGS also recommends avoiding sun exposure between 11am and 5pm, suggesting the use of light, body-covering clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen with SPF 30 protection, applied every two hours[1].
While the regions of Madeira and Azores will experience intermittent cloud cover and showers, mainland Portugal – the north, center, and south – will face prolonged sunny spells, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F) by the end of the week in some regions[2].
[1] Based on data from the original news text and the Enrichment Data.[2] Cited from www.meteo-portugal.pt, May 29, 2023.
Starting from Thursday to Friday, the districts of Bragança and Vila Real, as well as several other districts in Portugal, are under a yellow warning due to the ongoing high temperatures and increased fire risk. The Portuguese Institute of Meteorology and Water Resources (IPMA) expects temperatures to rise even more, potentially reaching over 33°C (91.4°F) until Saturday, leading to dangerous meteorological conditions that amplify the threat of rural fires.
