This year Spring in Portugal (a primavera) and in the northern hemisphere starts on the 20th of March. During spring, the days become longer, sunnier and warmer. The flowers and butterflies paint the fields in fountains of colour. The swallows and house martins arrive and the orange trees burst into bloom with their delightful aroma filling the air. You may even see the appearance of flying ants!
It’s also the season in which we celebrate Easter and the clocks go forward. The temperature during springtime is between 20ºC and 11ºC sun sets after 7pm as the days get longer.
The Dangers of Spring
Danger and Spring are two words seldomly said together. The weather gets brighter and warmer, the flowers blossom and the birds sing. People start going on long walks and other wonderful outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and picnicking.
There are also some downsides to this beautiful season. And things to take special care of that you may not be familiar with if it’s your first time in Portugal or southern Europe.
Pollen
One of them is the high levels of pollen in the air that will aggravate people who suffer from pollen allergies or hay fever (rinite alérgica). So if it’s your first time here and you have this, be warned and go on that walk prepared.
Processionary Caterpillar
Another thing to steer clear of – especially if you have children or dogs is the processionary caterpillar. Please do not touch them as their urticating hairs can cause harm and allergic reactions in humans and other mammals.
If contact occurs remove clothing and wash immediately. To learn more about the processionary caterpillar in Portugal and what to do click the link.
Ticks
Please be aware of ticks as well. Called “carraças” and can easily transfer to your clothes when you’re out and about on that lovely countryside walk. Ticks also attach to your pets’ fur. Not that that’s the danger.
The danger lies in if they bite you or your pet and IF they are carriers of the Rickettsia conorii bacteria. So, this means that contracting the disease is relatively rare. However, in case you are bitten, immediately remove the tick (ideally with a pair of tweezers). IF a fever and flu-like symptoms develop you must seek immediate medical attention. You can call the following number where you will speak to a doctor and they will advise the next course of action. (SNS 24 ) (00351) 808 24 24 24
Saharan Dust Clouds
Saharan dust clouds, which affect Portugal, are a relatively common occurrence, especially during the hottest months of the year. These clouds are formed by particles of dust and sand from the Sahara desert in northern Africa, which are carried by the wind to the Iberian Peninsula, including mainland Portugal.
This can result in poor air quality, with increased concentrations of inhalable particles. These inhalable particles, known as PM10, can have adverse effects on human health, especially in more vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular problems. For this reason, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) is issuing recommendations for dealing with this situation:
- The general population should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, limit outdoor physical activity and avoid exposure to risk factors such as tobacco smoke and irritating products.
- More vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory or cardiovascular problems, should preferably stay indoors with the windows closed whenever possible. They should also follow the same recommendations given to the general population.
- Chronically ill people should continue with their medical treatment as prescribed.
- In the event of worsening symptoms, it is recommended to contact the SNS 24 Line (808 24 24 24) or seek medical assistance.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. Please contact a medical professional in case of a medical emergency.
Emergency phone numbers:
112
Poisons Information Centre – (00351) 800 250 250.
National Health Service (SNS 24 ) – (00351) 808 24 24 24
Time change – Horário de Verão
The time changes during spring, which in Portugal happens on the last Sunday in March. On this day, in Portugal and Madeira, at 1 a.m. (and midnight in Açores), the clock must be put forward one hour (60 minutes) to enter daylight saving time or as we call it – o horário de verão (the summer schedule).
Spring Equinox – Equinócio da Primavera
The spring equinox is when the sun crosses the plane of the celestial equator (the line of the earth’s equator projected onto the celestial sphere).
When this event occurs in March, it is called the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. In the Southern hemisphere, the spring equinox takes place in September.
Spring Vocabulary in Portuguese
Next, let’s look at some common vocabulary in Portuguese for this time of the year
The 21st of March is World Tree Day – find out more about it by clicking that link.
Would you like to receive a study suggestion from me for the next 30 days? Then subscribe to the 30-Day Portuguese Challenge.
Abril | Weather in Portugal | Portuguese Culture | The Portuguese Learning Hub