1. SITUATION

Following the contact with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) carried out by the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC), it is expected that the temperature and wind will drop for the next 48 hours; weather factors that will accentuate the thermal discomfort:

During the night of today until tomorrow (15 to 16-12-2017) it is forecasted that:

• Temperatures will decrease to a minimum of -2 and 2ºC in the interior regions of the north and central areas
• The wind blowing from the moderate north quadrant (up to 35 km / h) in the coastal areas and stronger (up to 40 km / h) in the central and southern highlands;
• The formation of ice or frost in the northern and central interior regions.

During the night from Saturday to Sunday (16 to 17-12-2017) it is forecast that:

• Temperatures will decrease to a minimum of ​​between -4 and 2ºC in the interior regions of the or north and centre; and from 1 to 3ºC in the northern and central and southern interior regions;
• The wind blowing from the moderate east quadrant (up to 30 km / h) in the Algarve and in the highlands (until mid-morning on Sunday);
• The formation of frost in the interior regions (repeating the same on the night from Monday to Tuesday).

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

2. EXPECTABLE EFFECTS

In view of the situation described above, there may be:

• Gas inhalation poisoning due to inadequate ventilation of heated dwellings using fireplaces and braziers;
• Fire in dwellings as a result of the misuse of fireplaces and braziers or of electric faults and electrical circuits;
• Formation of ice on wet sections of roads;

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC recommends that the possible impact of these effects can be minimized through the adoption of self-protection measures and appropriate behaviour, such as the following:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to cold and sudden changes in temperature;
• Wear several layers of loose clothing and adapted to room temperature;
• Protect the parts of the body, such as the head, feet and hands, with a cap, scarf, gloves and warm socks;
• Drinking soup and hot drinks and avoiding alcoholic beverages;
• Workers engaged in outdoor activities should wear suitable clothing and avoid excessive exertion during the tasks they perform;
• Pay special attention to combustion equipment (fireplaces and fireplaces), which can cause intoxication and lead to death, due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide;
• Ensure adequate ventilation of dwellings;
• Avoid using heating devices just before bed, taking care to disconnect them before bedtime;
• Adopt defensive driving and pay special attention to road locations where ice is suspected;
• Assist family and neighbours who may need help and support, including older and/or more isolated people;
• Pay particular attention to the most vulnerable groups of the population, such as children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, as well as the homeless;
• Be aware of meteorological information and the advice and recommendations of Civil Protection and Security Forces.

Get to know the recommendations of the Directorate-General of Health on the care to be taken during the cold and dry weather (www.dgs.pt).