They said the yellow alert level, phase two of a four-phase emergency series of measures, would be in force following an increase in temperatures and in view of forecasts for the next few days in the southern regions of Evora and Beja, a website statement by the public health authority said.

The alert involves preventive measures to protect vulnerable members of society such as children and old people, and provides health and vigilance recommendations for the public at large.

The measures were imposed under a plan set up by the government in May and in force until next month.

It was first used last month in six regions when temperatures neared 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

With temperatures rising again this week, wildfires have broken out in various parts of the country.

Last year Portugal suffered its worst-ever heatwave since 1856 when temperatures were first registered.

Wildfires swept much of Portugal during a bout of hot weather in July, with just under 105,000 hectares (258,000 acres) of land destroyed by flames so far this year, according to forest service figures.

TERRA.WIRE