Majority of Algarve at ‘very high fire risk’
Tavira, in the Sotavento Algarve, is today at ‘maximum risk of fire’ with several other municipalities in the south at ‘very high risk’, according to Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere IPMA.
Lagos, Monchique, Portimão, Silves, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel (see update below), Vila do Bispo, Alcoutim and Castro Marim are all pegged at ‘very high risk’ of wildfires, while 16 other boroughs in the districts of Bragança, Viseu, Santarém, Lisbon and Beja are equally vulnerable.
Fire risk, determined by the IPMA, has five levels, ranging from ‘low’ to ‘maximum’. Calculations are based on air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and the amount of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
IPMA forecasts generally cloudy skies for today, sometimes very cloudy with high clouds in the north and centre.
The wind will sometimes blow strongly on the coast and on high ground, and maximum temperatures are expected to rise.
Maximums forecast for today range from low 20ºs in the north to over 35ºC in Évora.
UPDATE SUNDAY: São Brás de Alportel also now at maximum wildfire risk. ND
