Alert issued due to escalating heat levels
As the August heatwave continues, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued weather warnings for several districts across mainland Portugal. The warnings, ranging from orange to red, indicate a meteorological situation of moderate to extreme risk.
Northern Districts Under Red Heat Warning
The northern districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Vila Real, and Bragança are under a red heat warning due to persistent extremely high maximum temperatures. This red alert, the highest level, represents a meteorological situation of extreme risk, and will remain in effect at least through Tuesday. The red warning for Bragança, Porto, Vila Real, Viana do Castelo, and Braga will last until 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Orange and Yellow Warnings for Central and Southern Districts
Other northern and central districts such as Aveiro, Coimbra, Guarda, Viseu, Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Évora, and Beja are under orange or yellow warnings. These warnings, indicating moderate to high risk from high temperatures, are currently in effect across all districts except Beja. After 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the remaining districts will be under a yellow warning. Beja is the only district to have a yellow warning instead of an orange warning.
Faro, the Least Hot Region
Faro, the southernmost district on the mainland, often has no warnings due to its coastal location but may experience slightly elevated temperatures without formal alerts. Faro is expected to be the least hot region, with temperatures of 28°C, which is still above average for this time of year. Faro is the only district on the mainland without any warning.
Expected Temperatures
On Tuesday, maximum temperatures in the hottest districts (Braga, Évora, Bragança, Vila Real) can reach up to 41°C, with daytime highs generally between 36°C and 44°C in the interior. Coastal maxima will range from 28°C to 36°C. From Wednesday to Thursday, a gradual decrease in maximum temperatures is expected, dropping to a range of about 30°C to 39°C in much of the country, but coastal areas will remain cooler with highs between 21°C and 30°C.
Nights will remain warm, with "tropical nights" (minimums 20-25°C) continuing through Tuesday, mainly in the interior regions. From Wednesday and Thursday, tropical nights are expected to be limited to inland areas.
Fire Risk Alert
The alerts reflect not only high heat but also a significant risk of rural fires, prompting a state of alert across mainland Portugal due to worsening fire weather conditions. The alert for mainland Portugal due to high fire risk has been in effect since Sunday and will continue until Thursday, as announced by the Minister of Internal Administration on Saturday.
Conclusion
Residents of northern mainland Portugal should prepare for continued extreme heat with red warnings through Tuesday, with a gradual easing from Wednesday onward, though high temperatures and fire risks remain significant across many districts through Thursday. The warnings for all districts will remain in effect until Thursday, except for Beja, where the warning will not be extended beyond Tuesday.
In the Algarve region, located in Southern Portugal, Faro is expected to be the coolest district, with temperatures of 28°C, despite having no formal weather warnings. On the other hand, districts such as Braga, Évora, Bragança, and Vila Real, situated in Northern Portugal, are dealing with the effects of extreme heat, as they fall under red and orange weather warnings due to temperatures that could reach up to 41°C. This heatwave not only poses a risk of heatstroke but also significantly increases the risk of rural fires, leading to a state of alert across mainland Portugal until Thursday.
