Portugal heat wave heightens risk of wildfires

Portugal is experiencing a heat wave with hot and dry wear, sweltering nights and a heightened risk for wildfires.

Portugal’s wear authority, IPMA, is warning that temperatures could rise by an aver of five degrees Celsius (nine degrees Fahrenheit) across country starting Wednesday, with rmometers expected to hit 42 C (107.6 F) in some sourn inland areas later this week.

combination of high temperatures and dry winds from rrn Africa will cause what’s kwn as “tropical nights" and increase likelihood of forest fires, according to IPMA meteorologist Patricia Marques.

In Portuguese capital Lisbon, Wednesday's temperatures of 32 C (90 F) were alrey causing discomfort even among beachgoers who hit sand early to avoid midday heat.

Carlos Valente, a 67-year-old pensioner, said he was hoping to endure hot and dry wear, but that he would be careful. He said it was fine "as long as we are careful with hydration, drinking water — sun, as long as we protect ourselves.”

With temperatures in Lisbon expected to inch up above 36 C (97 F) on Thursday and Friday, most residents and tourists expressed relief that Portuguese authorities are only requiring use of masks against new coronavirus indoors, making m voluntary outdoors.

“I have difficulty to brea, its too hot and I can't imagine wearing it for a long time,” Indonesian tourist and Germany resident Assunta Teresia said about masks.

Portugal has recorded 47,400 confirmed cases of new virus and 1,676 deaths since beginning of pandemic.