High temperatures across the Algarve region will increase from the already high 30s with the whole region on yellow alert until Saturday evening.
According to the Portuguese weather service, thermometers will reach 37°C in Faro on Saturday with Alcoutim reaching 39°C (102°F).
Lagoa, Olhão and Tavira are expected to hit 38°C with west coast temperatures far lower – Sagres, for example, has a temperature prediction of just 25°C (77°F).
For those hitting the beach, very high UV levels mean bathers need to take extra care with protection and use a high rating sun-cream or spray.
The additional concern is from the Algarve's fire fighters as the increase in wind speed over the weekend already has triggered a waring from the National Relief Operations Command: "between tomorrow and Monday, the wind will blow up to 30 kmph from the north-northwest, blowing up to 45 kmph on the west coast with gusts of up to 65 kmph, especially during the afternoon.”
Should there be a fire in these tinder-dry conditions, the wind help to spread it quickly.
