LISBON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Hospitals across Portugal have activated the lowest level of contingency plans ahead of an expected heatwave that could last up to 10 days, Health Minister Ana Paula Martins said Tuesday.
The minister said the country's healthcare system is prepared to respond to the impacts of extreme heat, and warned that the exceptionally high temperatures could increase mortality.
According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the current spell of hot weather is expected to develop into a heatwave lasting between 8 and 10 days, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 44 degrees Celsius across most of the country.
