As temperatures reach soaring heights, the Direção-Geral da Saúde (DGS) reminds the public of necessary precautions against the heat. Are you aware of the essential measures to take during these days?
The Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) forecasts a significant rise in temperatures across the mainland in the coming days, with values expected to reach or exceed 40°C in various regions of mainland Portugal, particularly on August 2 and 3, 2025, the DGS highlighted in an official statement.
The DGS emphasizes that the very high air temperatures experienced in recent days, both maximum and minimum, have a well-known negative impact on health, resulting in dehydration or exacerbation of chronic diseases among other factors, especially among the elderly. It offers the following recommendations:
Recommendations:
- Drink water, even when not thirsty, avoiding alcoholic beverages;
- Stay in cool or air-conditioned environments with shade and air circulation for at least 2 to 3 hours a day;
- Avoid direct sun exposure, particularly between 11 am and 5 pm. Use sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher, reapplying every 2 hours and after swimming at the beach or pool;
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers most of the body, a hat, and UV-protected sunglasses;
- Avoid outdoor activities that require significant physical effort, including sports and leisure activities;
- Choose cooler times for car travel, and avoid staying inside parked vehicles exposed to the sun;
- Pay special attention to groups more vulnerable to heat, such as children, the elderly, chronic patients, pregnant women, and outdoor workers;
- Ensure children drink water frequently and stay in cool, ventilated environments; children under 6 months should not be exposed to sunlight, directly or indirectly;
- Contact and monitor the elderly and others living in isolation, ensuring proper hydration and staying in cool, ventilated environments;
- Stay informed about weather conditions to take necessary precautions;
- In an emergency, if experiencing warning signs (such as excessive sweating, fever, vomiting/nausea, or a rapid/weak pulse), contact SNS 24 at 808 24 24 24 or call the European emergency number 112.
All mainland regions of Portugal are at a very high risk of ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure, according to the IPMA.
The forecast for today includes hot weather and generally clear skies, with more cloudiness along the western coastal strip and a rise in temperatures, particularly the maximum along the west coast.
The wind will generally be light, predominantly from the east, strong at times in the highlands until mid-morning and from late afternoon, temporarily moderate from the northwest on the western coast during the afternoon, especially north of Cabo Espichel.
The expected maximum temperatures will range from 28 degrees in Aveiro to 42 in Évora and Santarém.
