By Euronews
Published on
ADVEReadNOWISEMENT
Portugal is experiencing a new heatwave, with temperatures likely to reach 41ºC. The month of August could even be the hottest in the last 15-20 years.
Minimum temperatures range from 16ºC (Sines and Leiria) to 24ºC (Portalegre), while maximum temperatures range from 28ºC (Aveiro) to 41ºC (Braga and Évora).
The northern regions of mainland Portugal, Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Vila Real and Bragança, are once again subject to a red heat alert.
The red alert, the highest on a scale of three, is due to the persistence of extremely high maximum temperatures, except on the coast, according to the Portuguese Meteorological Institute (IPMA).
August could be hottest in years
According to climatologist Mário Marques, quoted by CNN Portugal, this August could be the hottest in recent years.
“It could be the hottest August in the last 15 to 20 years, in general terms, especially in terms of minimum temperatures, but also in terms of maximum temperatures,” Marques told the broadcaster.
The climatologist also pointed out that, from 10 August, Portugal could see a further rise in temperatures, due to a “very intense anticyclone that may recede, oscillate in position, but will be measured at present”.
Mainland Portugal has entered a state of alert due to the high risk of fires in the coming days.
Monday night was another frightening night in Pardelhas, in the municipality of Mondim de Basto, in the north of the country, as flames approached the village.
At the same time, the blaze reached the village of Pena, in Vila Real. According to SIC Notícias, which was on the scene, the inhabitants were surprised when no firefighters were around, as they were busy on another front.
This fire that started on Saturday in Vila Real and has since spread to the neighbouring municipality of Mondim de Basto, is causing the most concern in Portugal. At the beginning of Tuesday morning, it required more than 600 firefighters and 211 vehicles.
Lisbon could see temperatures above 35ºC for 50 days a year
Lisbon risks having up to 50 days a year with temperatures above 35ºC by the end of the century, according to a group of experts in the fields of urbanism and sustainability.
The group highlights the capital’s problems in controlling rising temperatures and has published a plan for a structured transformation by 2050.
Among the proposals sent to Lisbon City Council is the creation of ecological “sponge city” infrastructures, which help retain rainwater. The experts also suggest a review of regulations and incentives for green innovation.