Walking the streets of Beja has become a daring feat with ambient temperatures soaring between 42°C and 44°C. The reliance on air conditioning does little to prepare residents for the relentless heatwaves.
"It feels like the gates of hell have opened," remarks Paulo Valente, 67, the sole occupant of a small café's terrace that remained closed this Sunday. The intense heat and brightness make it unbearable, with the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) recording temperatures above 42°C in the Beja region.
Ercília Guerreiro, 74, expresses her struggle, "I can't take this heat anymore," as she navigates the scorching streets, her health concerns adding to the discomfort.
Between Air Conditioning and the "Furnace"
Afonso Bonito's frustration is palpable as he tries to coax his wife out of their air-conditioned home for a coffee, highlighting the extreme measures residents take to escape the heat. Meanwhile, Arsénio Guerreiro, 53, works through the afternoon heat, his only complaint being the quick-drying cement.
The Challenge of Affording Air Conditioning
The heatwave brings "tropical nights" with temperatures not dropping below 20°C, making sleep elusive, especially for the elderly who cannot afford air conditioning. The situation is dire, with even fans blowing hot air, and pigeons seeking refuge in watered plant pots for relief.
In neighboring Spain, El Granado recorded a historic high of 46°C, while Portugal saw temperatures reach 46.6°C in Mora. Although the heatwave is easing nationwide, Beja continues to "cook" at 41°C.
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