BRITISH holidaymakers have been issued an urgent weather warning for nearly an entire country.
The summer heatwaves in Europe have seen wildfires sweep across Greece and Tenerife as temperatures soar above 40C.
And now Brits have been warned about visiting Portugal, with almost the whole country issued a ‘maximum fire risk’ in the coming days.
Fourteen districts of the mainland will be under orange warning – the second highest – between Monday and Wednesday due to the forecast of scorching hot weather.
That’s according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), who issue orange warnings when there is a meteorological situation of moderate to high risk.
On the map, the districts of Faro and Santarem are at maximum risk.
A combination of strong wind, low humidity and intense heat are the main factors that determine the level of danger.
And authorities have asked the population to remain vigilant and act sensibly, Sicnoticias reported.
Holidaymakers can keep up to date with the Portuguese weather via the IPMA website.
Weather experts have declared 2023 an El Niño year – a natural phenomenon that occurs cyclically and causes fluctuations in the global climate.
The UN’s World Meteorological Organization said it will raise temperatures around the world, and the effect is likely to continue for the rest of the year.
More than six thousand rural fires have been registered in Portugal so far this year, burning around 27 thousand hectares.
And things are looking just as bad on the other side of the border, following Spain’s ‘special notice’ for rising heat until the middle of the week.
Brits abroad have been warned of 42C temperatures in the Valle del Guadalhorce between Malaga and Marbella, and told to stay inside.
UK Foreign Office officials continue to warn Brits travelling on their holidays over the heat in Spain.