Low temperatures will drop still further over the new few days as the Algarve records sub-zero temperatures.
The cold period continues and the Algarve joins the rest of the country in freezing temperatures, recording 2 degrees below zero at first light this morning.
This was the same temperature as in Bragança and marginally colder than Lisbon and Sintra.
The temperatures will drop further in the coming days with the low for Lisbon predicted at two degrees and the Serra da Estrela hitting minus six which is not far from normal, but for the Algarve this is most unwelcome.
Due to Portugal’s balmy winter conditions Iain Duncan Smith has reduced the Winter Fuel Payment to zero for retrired British expats, just in case you had been waiting for a cheque.
The National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC) has issued multiple alerts about combatting the continuing cold weather in the coming days, with sharp night-time winds further reducing air temperatures.
Anticipating the increase of "thermal discomfort among the population," the ANPC alerts us to slippery road conditions due to frost especially in inland areas, poisoning by inhalation of gases from inadequate ventilation in properties where heaters are used, fires in dwellings resulting from the misuse of equipment and from malfunctions in electrical circuits.
"Special attention is needed for the most vulnerable such as children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions, and of course the homeless.
"Avoid prolonged exposure to cold and abrupt changes in temperature, wear several layers of clothing, protect extremities by wearing gloves, cap, warm socks and scarves, and drink soups and hot drinks, avoid alcohol which provides a false sense of warmth," are among the useful stay warm tips from ANPC which also asks families and neighbours to check on older people.
