Mainland Portugal is bracing for a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar between 36°C and 44°C, prompting the government to declare a state of alert from midnight Sunday until 23:59 on Thursday, 7 August. The decision, announced by Minister of Internal Administration Maria Lúcia Amaral, comes in response to the escalating risk of wildfires due to the extreme weather conditions.
Exceptional Measures Implemented
To mitigate the risk, the government has enforced several strict prohibitions, including:
- Ban on access and movement in forest areas.
- Prohibition of burning and suspension of previously issued authorizations.
- Restriction on the use of machinery in rural and forest spaces.
- Ban on fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.
These measures aim to prevent the outbreak of fires during this critical period, with very few exceptions detailed on the government's portal.
Severe Weather Conditions
A mass of hot air from North Africa is set to engulf the Iberian Peninsula, pushing temperatures in Portugal and Spain to potentially record-breaking highs of 45°C. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) warns of tropical nights, with minimum temperatures not dropping below 20°C in most areas.
Regional Alerts
- Red alert for Porto, Braga, Bragança, Viana do Castelo, and Vila Real on Monday.
- Orange warning across all mainland districts except Faro, indicating a moderate to high risk situation.
The IPMA emphasizes the importance of public vigilance and adherence to the imposed restrictions to safeguard communities and natural resources during this unprecedented heatwave.
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