Portugal Braces for Scorching Heat Wave Alert from Authorities

Heat Advisory in Mainland Portugal: Staying Safe During High Temperatures

In response to the ongoing heatwave, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), the Executive Board of the SNS, and the National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge have issued a joint statement, warning of the impacts of continued high temperatures on the population's health.

The advisory encourages the public to stay hydrated, drinking at least eight glasses of water per day and avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. To protect themselves from the scorching sun, people are urged to remain in cool or air-conditioned environments for at least two to three hours a day. Windows, blinds, and shutters should be closed during the hottest periods, and light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing, a hat, and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection should be worn.

Direct sun exposure should be avoided between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher must be applied and reapplied every two hours, including after swimming. Outdoor activities that require great physical exertion should also be avoided.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued the highest-level red warnings for districts like Vila Real and Bragança, with orange and yellow warnings extended to others due to persistently high temperatures and increased risk of forest fires. These alerts enable measures such as shortening outdoor work shifts and restricting travel in wildfire-prone areas to protect vulnerable populations.

The advisories specifically highlight vulnerable groups at greater risk from heat, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Authorities stress their need for extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses such as cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

The DGS, DE-SNS, and INSA are coordinating with regional and local structures to address the current health situation. The alert for high risk of fires has been in place since Sunday, and the red weather warning for high risk of fires in Mainland Portugal remains in effect until at least Thursday.

In summary, during the current heatwave in Mainland Portugal, it is crucial to prioritize hydration, limit sun exposure, and stay indoors in cool or air-conditioned environments for extended periods. The public is advised to follow the advisories and stay informed about the ongoing weather situation and any potential risks. In case of emergency and experiencing warning signs such as heavy sweating, fever, vomiting/nausea, or a rapid/weak pulse, the authorities advise the public to contact the SNS 24 hotline at 808 24 24 24 or the European emergency number 112.

The joint statement from DGS, SNS, and INSA emphasizes the impacts of high temperatures on Portugal's population health.
Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily is encouraged to stay hydrated during the heatwave.
Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages should be avoided for maintaining hydration.
Remaining in cool or air-conditioned environments is crucial for two to three hours each day.
Closing windows, blinds, and shutters during the hottest periods is advised.
Light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing, a hat, and UV-protection sunglasses are suggested for sun protection.
Direct sun exposure between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM should be avoided.
Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied and reapplied every two hours, even after swimming.
Outdoor activities requiring high physical exertion should be avoided.
IPMA has issued red warnings for Vila Real and Bragança, with orange and yellow warnings for other districts due to fire risks.
Shortening outdoor work shifts and restricting travel in wildfire-prone areas is mandatory to protect vulnerable populations.
The elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to heat-related conditions.
Heat-related illnesses like cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke must be avoided, particularly by the vulnerable groups.
DGS, SNS, and INSA are collaborating with regional and local structures to tackle the current health crisis.
The fire alert has been in place since Sunday, and the red weather warning for high forest fire risk in Mainland Portugal remains until Thursday.
It is essential to prioritize hydration, limit sun exposure, and spend extended periods in cool environments during the heatwave.
Public should adhere to advisories and stay updated on the weather situation and potential risks.
In case of emergencies and warning signs, contact the SNS 24 hotline at 808 24 24 24 or European emergency number 112.
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