Daytime temperatures continue to blister exposed paintwork with 42°C or higher being experienced in many parts of the country, especially the interior where a general lack of breeze has kept many people indoors until late evening.
The next few days will be the same with temperatures reaching the low 40s, hardly any wind except along the coastline and ‘tropical nights’ according to the IPMA weather service.
A "mass of very hot and dry air" has blanketed the country today, which has caused a general rise in temperatures which will last at least until July 20th.
"The temperature will register values above 30°C in almost all of Portugal, reaching 38 to 42°C in the interior regions. The minimum temperature will be high and in many locations will be 20°C or higher – the so-called ‘tropical nights.’
"The sky will be generally clear and the wind will decrease in intensity, except on the coast where during the afternoon, there will be a sea breeze."
The health department "recommends the adoption of general preventive measures for the population in general and specific measures to the most vulnerable for the effects of heat."
'Vulnerable' includes infants and young children, the elderly, chronically ill, sportspeople and those living alone in economic and social deprivation whose neighbours should be in touch regularly to ensure all is well.
So, to "protect themselves from the negative effects of the intense heat" the department helpfully suggests that people stay hydrated, protected from the heat and that their houses are cooled.
