طُلب من البرتغاليين الاستعداد للبرد

The DGS advice follows the forecasts of the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), which point to cold weather and precipitation in the coming days, with a significant drop in temperature already being recorded, accompanied by an increase in wind intensity.

The health authority alerts to the need to pay attention to the most vulnerable groups, namely children in the first years of life, the chronically ill, elderly people or people in greater isolation, workers who carry out activities outside, and homeless people.

To avoid the negative effects of the cold on health, the DGS recommends that the population avoid "prolonged exposure to cold and sudden changes in temperature", "keep the body warm, using several layers of clothing", protect the extremities of the body with gloves, hat, scarf, socks, and warm, non-slip shoes, and staying hydrated, drinking hot soups and drinks and avoiding alcohol, which provides “a false feeling of heat”.

The health authority also appeals to people, if they become ill, not to go to the emergency room immediately if possible and to instead call the SNS 24 line (808 24 24 24) for advice.