A state of emergency has been declared in Portugal due to extreme weather conditions. In the central regions of the country, daytime air temperatures are expected to rise to 44 degrees.
According to the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, the highest — "red" — danger level has been imposed in 12 of the 18 districts on the mainland. This was caused by a strong heatwave expected to last several days.
It is noted that the heatwave will last at least six days. The highest temperatures are forecast for the central part of the country. Specifically, in the Alentejo region, daytime air temperatures may rise to 44 degrees, and nighttime temperatures to 28 degrees.
Experts emphasize that the sea breeze, which usually cools coastal areas, will not reach inland areas this time or will be very weak. This will lead to high temperatures persisting for several days. This situation is considered a rare event for some regions.
Additionally, the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere warned that the ultraviolet radiation index could reach 11, an extremely dangerous level.
Doctors, meanwhile, called on local authorities to urgently open cooling centers equipped with air conditioning systems to ensure the safety of the population, especially the elderly, children, and citizens with chronic illnesses. At these centers, residents can spend the hottest times in safe conditions and receive medical, psychological, and social assistance if necessary.
According to meteorologists, before 2021, Portugal experienced an average of one to three heatwaves per year, but since 2022, their number has reached six to eight. It is also noted that heatwaves are now lasting longer, are more intense, and are occurring more frequently outside the traditional summer season.
