As temperatures drop, various organizations have issued warnings and advice to the public to protect themselves from the cold. The Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) emphasizes that “during cold days, the risks associated with the use of heating equipment increase.”
According to this authority, “most house fires result from electrical problems, gas issues, or improper use of heat sources.”
The PSP warns that, “given the weather conditions expected for the coming days,” the following could occur: “Gas inhalation intoxication due to inadequate ventilation of homes that use fireplaces, house fires stemming from improper use of fireplaces and heaters or electrical faults,” as well as “ice formation on road sections, increasing the risk associated with road traffic,” according to a social media post.
So, what should you do to minimize these impacts?
One should “avoid prolonged exposure to cold and sudden temperature changes,” wear “several layers of clothing, loose and adapted to the ambient temperature, protect the body extremities, and consume soups and hot drinks.”
Pay “special attention to combustion heating (heaters and fireplaces), which can cause intoxication and lead to death due to carbon monoxide accumulation.” It is also advised to “ensure proper ventilation of homes” and “avoid using sleeping heating devices, ensuring they are disconnected from the power before sleeping.”
“Adopt defensive driving and pay special attention to road areas susceptible to ice formation,” it continues.
The PSP also requests that people “pay attention to family and neighbors who may need assistance and support, especially older people in more isolated conditions,” as well as “pay attention to animals when they have to go or be outside.”
Finally, people are alerted to “stay aware of weather information and the indications from Civil Protection and Security Forces.”
After the storm, polar cold. Lows could reach -4°C (and rain?)
Following the passage of depression Cláudia, which caused three deaths and several material damages in Portugal, the rain has finally subsided. Now, the poor weather has made way for cold conditions.
According to the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA), although the week started with some showers due to the influence of depression Cláudia, by Monday, a “gradual decrease in minimum and maximum temperatures began to be felt starting Wednesday.”
This situation is due to the positioning of the anticyclone west of the British Isles, “which extends in ridge towards the Madeira archipelago, transporting a polar air mass in its circulation.”
From Tuesday, November 18, the mainland began to be influenced by a northern flow and cold air mass, “which will cause a significant drop in air temperature.”
Tomásia Sousa | 14:16 – 17/11/2025
