The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said in a statement that between 15 and 18 June, mainland Portugal is expected to be under “the joint influence of an anticyclone south of the British Isles and a depression trough that extends from North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula”.

The meteorological situation will increase maximum temperature values, especially on Sunday and Monday.

It also indicated that a new episode of suspended dust originating in North Africa is likely during this period.

Maximum temperatures will range from approximately 33 to 40 °C in most of the territory, although with slightly lower values ​​in some areas of the coastal strip, the institute said.

“The highest maximum temperatures are expected to occur in the Tagus Valley, Beira Baixa and Southern regions,” the note reads.

The hot weather may continue until the 19th, especially in inland regions.

The IPMA predicts a rise in minimum temperatures on June 16 and 17, considering “probable tropical nights in much of the mainland”.

Given the forecast of high temperatures, the State Health Department recommends that the population regularly drink water, wear loose, cool clothing and use sunscreen every two hours.

Exposure to the sun between 11 am and 5 pm is also not recommended, and special care is requested for the elderly, children and chronically ill, who should remain in cooler environments and protected from the sun, according to health authorities.

The air mass from the North African deserts, which carries suspended dust, harms air quality and has effects on human health, especially in the most sensitive population, such as children and the elderly, whose health care should be redoubled, according to the DGS.

As long as this phenomenon continues, the DGS recommends that the population avoid prolonged exertion, limit outdoor physical activity and avoid exposure to risk factors, such as tobacco smoke and contact with irritants.