In a joint statement, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), the Executive Board of the SNS (DE-SNS), and the National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) warn of the impacts of continued high temperatures on the population's health and urge people to stay hydrated, drinking at least eight glasses of water per day.

They also warn of the importance of avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages and advise the public to remain in cool or air-conditioned environments with shade and air circulation for at least two to three hours a day, keeping windows, blinds, and shutters closed during the hottest periods, or in areas at risk of dust from fires.

They also advise the public to avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and to always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying it every two hours, including after swimming at the beach or in swimming pools.

Health authorities also remind the public to wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing that covers most of the body, a hat, and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection, as well as to avoid outdoor activities that require great physical exertion.

They advise traveling during the cooler hours, noting that temperatures above 40°C are expected in the Alentejo region and in the interior of the North and Central regions, and that minimum temperatures will also remain high, remaining above 20°C in the interior of the country.

The note emphasizes the importance of paying special attention to groups most vulnerable to heat, such as children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and workers with outdoor activities, accompanying people who live in isolation.

In case of emergency, and if you experience warning signs such as heavy sweating, fever, vomiting/nausea, or a rapid/weak pulse, authorities advise the public to contact the SNS 24 hotline at 808 24 24 24 or the European emergency number 112.

The DGS, DE-SNS, and INSA say they are still continuously monitoring the weather situation and its impact on health, reinforcing the measures of the Seasonal Health Response Contingency Plan, in coordination with regional and local structures.

Mainland Portugal has been on alert since Sunday due to the high risk of fires, a situation that will remain in place until at least Thursday.

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