The weather has taken a drastic change in Portugal where the temperature reaches as high as 41 degrees, bringing all the cities to a risk for wildfires. A high alert has been issued within the country as a heat wave has grasped the central and southern cities within the country.
Warning Issued by Portugal Metrological Authority
The IPMA (Metrological Center of the country) has issued an orange warning for many cities, including about 50 locations like Castelo Branco, Santarém, Vila Real, and Guarda, due to a significant heat wave. The temperatures are expected to range from 24°C to 41°C. Castelo Branco and Évora will experience the highest temperatures at 41°C, while the lowest temperatures will be in Viseu, Lisbon, and Faro, with highs of 36°C and lows of 24°C.
In contrast, the western part of the country will have relatively cooler temperatures, primarily due to high winds that help keep the area cooler than other regions resulting in weather warning in Portugal.
Portugal Cities at High Risk for Heat Wave
The IPMA has classified several cities in Portugal as being at “very high” and “high” risk due to extreme weather conditions expected to persist throughout the weekend. The Madeira Islands will be the main area of concern starting Monday. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses a significant health risk when it comes into contact with the skin, and the authorities have categorized cities into five levels of UV risk for weather warning in Portugal, ranging from “Extreme” to “Low Risk.” These categories are determined based on the following factors:
- Wind speed
- Relative humidity
- Air temperature
- Recent rainfall and precipitation levels
Best Preventative Measures to Beat the Heat
The Portuguese government has advised citizens to stay indoors as much as possible during the heat wave. It is recommended to minimize sun exposure, drink plenty of water, and avoid beaches and outdoor areas. If you need to travel, it is best to do so in the evening but for the time being, the best way is to travel only when absolutely necessary or at night for any kind of groceries to avoid heat.
Here are the average temperatures for the following cities in North, South, and Central Portugal during summer and winter:
Porto:
- Average Temperature in Summer ranges from: 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F)
- Average Temperature in Winter ranges from: 5°C (41°F) to 14°C (57°F)
Algarve:
- Average Temperature in Summer ranges from: 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F)
- Average Temperature in Winter ranges from: 8°C (46°F) to 16°C (61°F)
Lisbon:
- Average Temperature in Summer ranges from: 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F)
- Average Temperature in Winter ranges from: 8°C (46°F) to 15°C (59°F)
Read More About:
