Portugal continues to face hot and dry weather conditions due to an air mass from North Africa. This Sunday, June 29, is expected to be one of the hottest days, with several districts under red alert. There is also a forecast of scattered thunderstorms inland, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
The sky will be mostly clear or with few clouds, with periods of greater cloudiness along the western coastal strip, particularly north of Cabo Raso, and inland during the afternoon, as noted by the IPMA.
Favorable conditions for scattered showers and thunderstorms are also expected inland, especially in the North and Central regions, during the afternoon.
The wind will generally blow weak from the north quadrant, shifting from the east quadrant until mid-morning, and at times moderate (up to 30 km/h) along the western coastal strip.
Temperatures are rising as expected, remaining above the climatological average for June in most of the mainland territory. Today, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 44 degrees in Beja and 25 degrees in Aveiro. Minimum temperatures will vary between 28 degrees in Portalegre and 16 degrees in Leiria.
Districts Under Red Alert
The IPMA had already warned that the highest temperatures would be recorded today and tomorrow, June 30. Given the persistently extreme high temperatures, the IPMA has escalated the warnings in effect: seven districts are under red alert due to the heat this Sunday. Tomorrow, it will be five.
The districts under red alert are Lisbon, Setúbal, Santarém, Évora, Beja, Castelo Branco, and Portalegre. Lisbon and Setúbal will downgrade to ‘orange’ on Monday, while the others remain under red alert.
According to the IPMA, the remaining districts of the mainland are under orange (the second most severe) and yellow warnings.
Dust in suspension is also expected in the southern region, extending to the rest of the territory in the following days, with generally low concentrations.
Recommendations to Follow
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) announced on Friday that it would reinforce the readiness level for fighting rural fires this weekend due to the forecast of extreme heat in mainland Portugal.
The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) warned that extreme heat poses health risks, recommending drinking water, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and choosing cool or air-conditioned environments.
In addition, it is advisable to wear loose and fresh clothing and to use sunscreen every two hours.
Avoiding sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. is discouraged. Special care should be taken with the elderly, children, and chronically ill people, who should stay in cooler, sun-protected environments, according to health authorities.
The dust affects air quality and impacts human health, mainly for sensitive groups like children and the elderly, who should take extra health precautions.
As long as this phenomenon persists, the DGS recommends that the population avoids prolonged exertion, limits physical activity outdoors, and avoids exposure to risk factors such as tobacco smoke and contact with irritating products.
