Government Measures and Impact on Daily Life
The Portuguese government has declared a preventive alert for an extremely high risk of wildfires across most of the country from Sunday to Thursday due to an anticipated heatwave affecting the Iberian Peninsula in the coming days.
“The government declared an Alert Situation for the entire continental territory from 00:00 on Sunday, August 3rd, to 23:59 on Thursday, August 7th, due to the worsening weather conditions and the very high risk of rural fires,” stated the Portuguese executive in a press release.
Restrictions and Increased Preparedness
As part of this decision, the government has imposed several restrictions including a ban on lighting bonfires or fireworks and prohibiting travel through certain forested areas. Additionally, more resources have been allocated to firefighting efforts.
“This coming week will be challenging,” acknowledged the Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral.
Recent Wildfires and Cross-Border Impact
In recent days, both Spain and Portugal have experienced several wildfires, with most showing favorable progress. As of Saturday, hundreds of Portuguese firefighters remained engaged in various significant fires, according to Protección Civil.
So far this year, over 25,700 hectares have burned in Portugal, as reported by the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis).
Across the border, in Spain’s Galicia region (northwest), firefighters battled a blaze in the town of Vilardevós, which led to the preventative confinement of two nearby small population centers.
Anticipated Heatwave in Spain
With temperatures on the rise, Spain may face its second heatwave of the summer starting Sunday. Several western and southern regions will be under orange alert, the second-highest level, for extremely high temperatures according to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
This heatwave could push temperatures above 42°C in certain areas, potentially lasting until midweek as per Aemet’s forecast.
Iberian Peninsula’s Intense Summer
The northern summer has begun forcefully in the Iberian Peninsula, heavily impacted by the first heatwave that struck Europe at the end of June and early July. Spain experienced its hottest June ever recorded, with an average temperature of 23.7°C, according to Aemet.
Scientists have long warned about the effects of climate change on extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and other intensifying phenomena occurring more frequently and severely.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the reason for the alert? The Portuguese government issued the alert due to an anticipated heatwave that could lead to a very high risk of wildfires across the country.
- What measures have been taken? The government has imposed restrictions such as banning bonfires and travel through certain forested areas, while increasing firefighting resources.
- How have recent wildfires affected the region? Both Spain and Portugal experienced several wildfires in recent days, with hundreds of firefighters engaged in significant fires.
- What is the expected heatwave in Spain? Spain may face its second heatwave of the summer, with temperatures potentially exceeding 42°C in some regions starting from Sunday.
- What are the long-term climate concerns? Scientists have highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and droughts, due to climate change.
