Sahara dust to accompany “mass of hot air from North Africa”
Mainland Portugal will see a significant rise in temperatures from Sunday, with highs between 33–40ºC – the highest temperatures forecast for Vale do Tejo, Beira Baixa and the south.
Meteorological institute IPMA has said in a statement today that between June 15–18, the mainland is expected to be under the “combined influence of an anticyclone south of the British Isles and a trough extending from North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula”.
The hottest weather is expected for Sunday and Monday, with “a new episode of dust in the air originating in North Africa likely during this period” (advice to anyone with a dusty car: do not bother washing it until the end of next week…).
Hot weather “may continue until the June 19, especially in inland regions”, says IPMA’s note, adding that the episode will bring “tropical nights likely” across the territory.
In view of the forecast, the country’s health authority has repeated habitual advice about drinking plenty of water, wearing loose/ cool clothing and applying sunscreen “every two hours”, stressing that exposure to the sun between the hours of 11am and 5pm is not advised, especially for children and the elderly..
The mass of air coming from the deserts of North Africa “impairs air quality and has effects on human health, especially on the most sensitive members of the public”, says the DGS (general health directorate) – giving special warnings over bring outside to people with chronic respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease.
Source material: LUSA
