Seven districts in mainland Portugal remain under red alert today, the highest level, due to the heat, a situation expected to improve by Tuesday, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
The red alert in the districts of Lisbon, Setúbal, Santarém, Évora, Beja, Castelo Branco, and Portalegre will remain in effect until 9:00 PM, transitioning to orange (the second most severe) in most areas until at least 9:00 PM on Tuesday, except for Setúbal and Lisbon, which will shift to yellow at 9:00 PM today.
Currently under orange alert are Bragança, Vila Real, Guarda, Viseu, Coimbra, and Faro. In Viseu, Coimbra, and Faro, this alert will last until the end of the day (9:00 PM), in Vila Real until 9:00 PM on Tuesday, and in the districts of Bragança and Guarda until 6:00 PM on Wednesday.
Due to the heatwave affecting the country, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) has warned of health risks, advising the public to stay hydrated, avoid alcoholic beverages, and seek cool or air-conditioned environments.
The guidelines issued on Friday on its website recommend staying in cool or air-conditioned spaces for at least two to three hours a day, avoiding direct sun exposure, especially between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours and after swimming in the sea or pool.
The DGS also advises wearing light-colored, loose clothing that covers most of the body, and not forgetting hats and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection. Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, chronic patients, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. Children under six months should not be exposed to direct or indirect sunlight.
For today, the IPMA forecasts continuation of hot weather across mainland Portugal, with generally clear skies and the possibility of scattered showers and thunderstorms in the interior, particularly in the North and Center regions during the afternoon.
Fog is also expected in some areas along the western coastal strip, and maximum temperatures will start to decrease.
According to the IPMA, minimum temperatures will vary between 17°C (Aveiro) and 26°C (Faro) and maximum temperatures between 24°C (Aveiro) and 43°C (Beja).
