Portugal has issued additional level-four heat advisories as high temperatures of 44ºC have been forecast for various parts of the country, and authorities have advised residents to prepare for what is expected to be an extended period of extremely hot weather.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) issued red alerts in the Lisbon and Setúbal regions at approximately 14:00 hours on Thursday. The Leiria and Coimbra regions will be included in the red alert category starting Friday, when record temperatures of 44 °C are expected.

Several cities and towns in the landlocked regions of Portugal, including Évora, had orange alerts in effect as of Wednesday. These landlocked areas were also projected to have maximum temperatures approaching 41ºC. Weather forecasters predict the vast majority of Portugal will remain at the red or orange alert level while the excessive heat continues to spread across the entire country.

Forecast models indicated the excessive heat wave should continue for a minimum of 1 week. The landlocked areas are projected to have the highest temperatures; however, the coastal areas are also expected to see above-normal temperatures because the Atlantic Ocean is providing limited cooling airflow to the coastal regions.

Local government officials are anticipating additional high overnight temperatures with readings between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius in many areas. The continued above-average overnight temperatures have added to health risks related to long-term exposure to extreme heat. This is particularly true for older adults, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical problems.

To safeguard people from the adverse effects of the heat, the following measures have been issued by the health department: drink plenty of fluids and avoid exposure to extreme weather apart from early mornings and late afternoons; take care of relatives, neighbors, and others who need help; and, if possible, take portable chairs to the local parks to cater to the needs of those seeking shelter from the heat.

In Évora, where the temperatures keep rising, the way of life has changed owing to the rising temperatures. Daily activity levels have been considerably reduced owing to the heat in the afternoons, and people have mostly been indoors. Although a huge number of people are working outdoors, many of those outdoor workers have started changing their schedules to avoid being exposed to the heat of midday.

Though Portugal had been fortunate enough to have avoided the extremely high temperatures that were recorded in other parts of Southern Europe, it has become evident from forecasts that Portugal will face its hottest summer of the season. The weather officials continue to monitor the conditions.