The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere are warning of high temperatures and high fire risk of fire throughout several municipalities in the Algarve and Alentejo.
They are predicting high daytime temperatures and tropical nights inland from now until Monday, especially in the center and south of the Algarve. Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira are currently at the highest risk of fire according to the IPMA.
The high temperatures and extreme fire risk will remain until at least Monday, with maximum temperatures expected to be around 35 degrees Celsius, potentially around 40 degrees inland and across the Alentejo countryside, Beira Baixa, and Tagus valley.
The forecast of a north-northwest wind, sometimes pretty strong in the afternoons, may bring some respite from the high temperatures, however that will not be helpful in the event of a wildfire.
From Monday temperatures will drop between 2 and 5 degrees, making things more bareable.
For this extreme heat period, the DGS have shared some health recommendations that you should take into account over the coming days.
- Look for cool , airy or air-conditioned environments;
- Increase the intake of water or natural fruit juices without sugar and avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 11 am and 5 pm . Use sunscreen with a factor equal to or greater than 30 and renew its application every 2 hours and after bathing in the beach or pool;
- Wear loose, opaque clothing that covers most of the body , a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection;
- Avoid activities that require great physical effort , namely sports;
- Choose the lowest heat hours to travel by car. Do not stay inside parked vehicles exposed to the sun, or leave animals inside ;
- Give special attention to groups that are more vulnerable to heat, such as children, the elderly, the chronically ill, pregnant women, people with reduced mobility, workers with activity abroad, practitioners of physical activity and isolated people;
- Ensure that children frequently consume water or natural fruit juices and that they remain in a cool and airy environment. Babies under 6 months should not be exposed to direct or indirect sunlight;
- Contact and visitthe elderly and other people living in isolation. Ensure its correct hydration and permanence in a cool and airy environment;
