The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has placed the municipalities of Pampilhosa da Serra (Coimbra), Lagos, Portimão, Monchique, Silves, Loulé, Tavira, São Brás de Alportel, Alcoutim and Castro Marim (Faro) at maximum risk of rural fires.

Several municipalities in all districts of mainland Portugal are at very high and high risk of fire today.

According to IPMA calculations, the fire danger will remain high in some districts at least until Monday.

This risk, determined by the IPMA, has five levels, ranging from low to high. The calculations are obtained from the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and amount of precipitation in the last 24 hours.

The IPMA predicts "values ​​above 33/35°C in most of the country", winds from the north quadrant, relative humidity levels below 30% and tropical nights in the interior of the Central and Southern regions until Saturday.

The weather forecast for today on the mainland is for generally clear skies, with increasing cloudiness in the North and Central regions during the afternoon, with rain showers, mainly in mountainous areas and rising temperatures.

Due to the forecast of hot weather, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has placed the districts of Bragança, Évora, Guarda, Faro, Vila Real, Setúbal, Santarém, Lisbon, Beja, Castelo Branco, Portalegre and Braga under a yellow warning until 9 pm on Friday.

Following the weather forecast, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) warned of a significant increase in the risk of rural fires, especially in the northern and central interior and in the southern region.

ANEPC recommended that the population adapt their behavior taking into account the increased risk of fires.

According to the Authority, the Special Rural Firefighting Unit (DECIR/25) is activated, with approximately 8,900 operatives mobilized, supported by more than 1,800 vehicles and 33 aircraft.

The forecast of hot weather also led the Health Department to recommend preventive measures, such as drinking water regularly and avoiding the consumption of alcoholic beverages.