The National Civil Protection Authority warned on Friday that there is a "very high risk of fires" as temperatures in the Algarve soar yet higher to the officially predicted temperature of 38°C this weekend, (that's 100°F in old money).
This hot weather "is cause for alarm" according to the Authority which stated today that "For the next 48 hours, there is a very high risk of maximum fire in the northern and central parts of the interior and in the southern region, particularly in the Algarve."
"Hot weather and moderate to strong winds will be recorded during the weekend, with favourable conditions for the possible occurrence and spread of forest fires," read the statement.
On Saturday, thermometers will reach 28°C in Lisbon, 24°C in Oporto, 26°C in Coimbra and 24°C in Leiria. The hottest districts will be Faro with 38°C and Évora and Beja with 35°C.
As for UV strength, seven regions in the interior of the country are on the highest level, with people simply asked to avoid any exposure to the sun.
The remainder of the country is on a a level 10 warning on a scale from 1 to 11.
Portugal’s weather service suggests people remain indoors during the day, especially children.
Everyone else might spend some time in prayer to ensure the promised Sunday rains actually happen and bring the temperatures down to merely boiling.
The clouds and rainfall are expected everywhere except the Algarve, so continued vigilance is needed - and further prayer....
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