Portugal has declared a state of alert for extreme heat as temperatures are due to soar to 40C this week. The warning was announced on Thursday and will remain in effect until 11.59pm on Monday.
It includes, for example, a ban on controlled burns and on work in forest areas using any type of machinery. Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves said the government will proceed “with the application, starting at midnight, of the declaration of a state of alert”.
He said: “For situations of great emergency, the Government will proceed with a declaration of a state of alert, which are exceptional measures for extraordinary and difficult times.”
Mr Neves warned of a “very significant worsening of weather conditions” as some regions of the country are expected to exceed 40C.
The alert mainly concerns the “prohibition of access and circulation” to certain “previously defined” forest areas, and the “prohibition of burning and setting fires, including agricultural waste”.
He wrote on X: “Due to the high temperatures that the country is facing, we have decided to declare a state of alert.
“I am closely monitoring the evolution of the situation. Each one of us has the responsibility to prevent and do our part.
“I ask everyone to respect the authorities’ instructions. We are all necessary to protect our community and our territory.”
