Portugal experiences impending heat wave advisory from officials
Portugal Braces for Continued Heat Wave: Authorities Issue Warning and Recommendations
Portugal is currently experiencing soaring temperatures, with the Alentejo region, as well as the interior of the North and Central regions, expected to reach above 40°C. This extreme heat wave has prompted a red weather warning, and the authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions to stay safe.
The Directorate-General for Health (DGS), the Executive Board of the SNS (DE-SNS), and the National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) have jointly issued a statement, emphasising the need for hydration, sun protection, and avoidance of outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Hydration is Key
To prevent dehydration, the public is advised to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Alcoholic and excessive caffeine should be avoided as they accelerate dehydration.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used, reapplying it every two hours, including after swimming. Light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing, a hat, and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection are also recommended.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
The public is advised to avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. People are encouraged to stay in cool or air-conditioned environments with shade and air circulation for at least two to three hours a day.
Vulnerable Populations
Special attention should be paid to groups most vulnerable to heat, such as children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and workers with outdoor activities. Municipalities like Amadora are implementing early warning systems to protect residents, especially in dense urban settings with limited green space where heat risk is amplified.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities that require great physical exertion should be avoided during the heat wave. If necessary, they should be scheduled for cooler hours, preferably after dusk, and travellers should be aware of road hazards from softened asphalt.
Indoor Cooling
Staying in well-ventilated rooms and creating cross-breezes by opening opposite windows once temperatures drop at night can help keep indoor spaces cool.
Safety Measures
Following restrictions on activities that could trigger fires, such as bans on open fires, BBQs, smoking in forests, and fireworks, with severe fines in place during red alert periods, is essential.
These measures are designed to reduce health risks such as heat stroke, dehydration, and wildfires during Portugal's increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. The authorities are working in coordination with regional and local structures to address the current situation.
In case of emergency and warning signs such as heavy sweating, fever, vomiting/nausea, or a rapid/weak pulse, the public is advised to contact the SNS 24 hotline (808 24 24 24) or the European emergency number 112.
[1] Source: Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) [2] Source: Portuguese Directorate-General for Health (DGS) [3] Source: Amadora City Council [4] Source: Portuguese Roads and Bridges Authority (APA) [5] Source: Portuguese Forestry Institute (IFP)
- Portugal's soaring temperatures have prompted a red weather warning, with medical-conditions like heat stroke, dehydration, and wildfires as potential concerns.
- The Directorate-General for Health (DGS), along with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), has issued guidelines for hydration and sun protection.
- To prevent dehydration, the public is advised to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, avoiding alcoholic and excessive caffeine beverages.
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used, reapplying it every two hours, including after swimming.
- Light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing, a hat, and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection are also strongly recommended.
- It's crucial to avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and seek out cool or air-conditioned environments with shade and air circulation for at least two to three hours a day.
- Particular attention should be paid to groups that are most vulnerable to heat, such as children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and workers with outdoor activities.
- Amadora city, for example, is implementing early warning systems to protect residents, especially those living in dense urban settings with limited green space.
- Outdoor activities that require great physical exertion should be postponed or rescheduled for cooler hours, preferably after dusk, and travellers should be aware of road hazards from softened asphalt.
- Indoor spaces can be kept cool by staying in well-ventilated rooms and creating cross-breezes by opening opposite windows once temperatures drop at night.
- Restrictions on activities that could trigger fires, such as bans on open fires, BBQs, smoking in forests, and fireworks, are essential during red alert periods, with severe fines in place.
- The public is advised to contact the SNS 24 hotline (808 24 24 24) or the European emergency number 112 in case of emergency and warning signs like heavy sweating, fever, vomiting/nausea, or a rapid/weak pulse.
- In addition to these measures, eye-health is also important, and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection can help protect eyes from harmful sunlight.
- Climate-change has played a role in the increase of frequent and intense heat waves in Portugal; moreover, it's crucial to pay attention to environmental-science research that reveals the connections between extreme weather events and human activities.
- Emphasizing health-and-wellness during these challenging times, it's important to prioritize fitness-and-exercise, sexual-health, cardiovascular-health, mental-health, mens-health, womens-health, skin-care, hearing, and therapies-and-treatments for overall well-being. Additionally, proper nutrition and aging management should be given utmost importance.
