Portugal under very high UV radiation and heat‑wave alerts

The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has placed all districts of mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores under a "very high" ultraviolet (UV) radiation risk, expected to last at least until Monday. The agency advises the public to use UV‑filtering sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and to limit sun exposure, especially for children.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 30‑37 °C across most of the country, with peaks of 38‑40 °C in parts of the Alentejo, Ribatejo and the Douro Valley. In response, several Local Health Units (ULS) in the Lisbon area have activated heat‑wave contingency plans, issuing yellow alerts and strengthening surveillance. Measures include public warnings, increased staffing, provision of water in waiting rooms, and the option of teleconsultations. The São José Hospital reported a 2 % rise in emergency visits and a 21 % increase in admissions for dehydration and decompensation of chronic diseases among the elderly, though no cases of heat‑stroke were recorded.