Record Heatwave Hits Portugal: Avoid Outdoor Plans in These 8 Cities, Warns Joana Campos

After a brief thermal relief, temperatures are set to rise significantly at the start of next week, especially in the South of the country, where thermometers could exceed 43ºC in various locations.

Temperatures will rise sharply again, particularly in the southern region of the country. In recent days, we have seen high temperature values across the territory, but the Northern Region has been the most affected, leading the IPMA to issue red warnings for all districts. Currently, this warning is in effect only for Vila Real and Bragança.

However, the scenario is about to reverse. Maximum temperature values will slightly decrease in the North, even in the typically warmer areas, and will increase significantly in the South. Both the European and American models show values above 43ºC in several locations in Alentejo.

With extreme heat, we should avoid sun exposure and more

According to the General Directorate of Health (DGS), there are a series of extra precautions to take into account when temperatures rise. Among them, it is recommended to "seek cool and airy environments, drink water or natural juices regularly, even if not thirsty, avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours, especially between 11 am and 5 pm, avoid activities that require great physical effort, such as sports or leisure activities outdoors.

Staying in outdoor locations without any care or protection against the heat can result in severe dehydration, cramps, worsening of chronic diseases, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 175,000 people die each year due to extreme heat in the European region, which includes 53 member states, covering the European Union and other countries in Europe and Central Asia.

At the start of next week, for those living in these locations, avoid leaving home

From Monday onwards, temperatures will rise in the South of the country. The Baixo Alentejo could see values up to 41ºC, while in the rest of the Alentejo region, values above 37ºC are expected.

However, it will be on Tuesday that the situation will worsen. In addition to a rise in temperatures across the country, in the South, this increase could result in scorching heat, where both the European and American models show values above 43ºC, from Ribatejo to Alentejo.

According to our reference model, ECMWF, the highest values could be recorded in the areas of Ferreira do Alentejo, Moura, Serpa, and Mértola, with the mercury rising up to 44ºC.

As for the American model, GFS, the highest values could be recorded in the areas of Mora, Avis, Ponte de Sor, and Abrantes. These could reach 45ºC!

With this, we advise, for all the reasons explained above, that you stay sheltered and avoid leaving home, doing so only for what is extremely necessary and, if you do, comply with the DGS recommendations, especially regarding hydration and sun protection.

Precautions are needed in other regions of the country

Although the highest temperatures may be felt in the South of the country, the entire interior strip will be exposed to temperatures around 40ºC, from North to South, and even on the coast, values will increase, with values above 30ºC expected in almost the entire continental geography.

Thus, all the aforementioned advice extends to these areas, because although the temperatures are not as high, they still are and require care, especially for the most vulnerable groups in our population, such as children, the elderly, and people with cardiorespiratory diseases.