Weather authority issues heat advisory
Portugal Braces for Rising Temperatures and Increased Fire Risk from May 27 to 30
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued an alert for several regions in mainland Portugal, starting from 9am on Wednesday and continuing until 6pm on Thursday. The affected areas include Setúbal, Évora, Beja, and Lisbon, where the alert is extended until Thursday evening due to the high maximum temperature values.
The IPMA has warned of a gradual rise in temperatures across the mainland, with an increase in the Rural Fire Danger index. The maximum classification of Rural Fire Danger could affect some municipalities in the south, according to the IPMA's statement.
Over the weekend, the IPMA had already forecasted a gradual temperature rise from Tuesday onwards, with an increase in the Rural Fire Danger index. The maximum temperature is predicted to reach values above 30°C in most of the country starting from Tuesday, with exceptions on the western coastal strip. Values above 35°C are expected in the South region.
The minimum temperature will also increase, although the IPMA predicts values below 10°C in some areas of the North and Center regions until Monday, gradually rising throughout the week to values above 15°C across the entire territory.
The climate conditions will also result in a gradual increase in Rural Fire Danger, with high or very high classifications gradually extending to most regions, and the maximum classification reaching some municipalities in the South. This will result in restrictions on activities permitted in rural areas.
The IPMA attributes the hot and dry weather to a mass of hot air coming from North Africa, which is why the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy or clear, with some cloudiness possible during the early morning hours in the North and Central regions, more likely in the first days of the week, and on the coast.
The wind will primarily come from the northern quadrant, weak to moderate, with a temporary easterly wind during the early morning. The wind is expected to strengthen on the western coast and highlands, especially during the afternoon, with a tendency to weaken and greater predominance of the eastern quadrant on the 29th and 30th.
The ultraviolet radiation index will remain at very high values, as expected at this time of year, given the absence of cloudiness and the approach of the summer solstice. The IPMA has issued this warning due to the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation.
The IPMA typically provides detailed weather forecasts and fire danger ratings on their official website and through national media channels. For the most accurate and detailed forecasts and fire danger ratings for the period of May 27 to 30, it is recommended to consult the IPMA's official communication channels or their website archives.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has predicted a rise in temperatures across mainland Portugal, particularly in regions such as Setúbal, Évora, Beja, and Lisbon, from May 27 to 30, increasing the risk of rural fires. This increase in temperature will lead to heightened Rural Fire Danger index values, with some municipalities in the South region experiencing maximum classifications.
