Internal Northern and Central regions at peak fire danger level with approximately 90 counties at risk
Fire Risk Remains High in Northern and Central Portugal
As of early August 2025, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has reported increased fire risk levels for municipalities in Northern and Central Portugal. The current risk levels range from maximum (red alert) to orange and yellow warnings.
The five northernmost regions—Bragança, Porto, Vila Real, Viana do Castelo, and Braga—are under a red alert, the highest fire risk level. Extremely high temperatures reaching up to 39–41°C and very dry conditions have been reported in these regions, triggering an extreme fire risk scenario with high danger of ignition and fire spread.
After August 6, 2025, the red alert is expected to downgrade to orange warnings in Vila Real and Bragança and to yellow warnings in other northern districts, reflecting a somewhat lower but still significant fire risk.
Other municipalities in northern and central Portugal are predominantly under orange warnings, indicating a moderate to high risk of fire. There are also about 40 municipalities, mostly coastal, with a moderate fire risk level.
The Algarve region in the south has also faced maximum fire risk levels, reflecting that high temperatures and drought extend beyond the north and center of Portugal.
The IPMA predicts a mostly clear or cloudless sky today, with dense fog on the west coast until the end of the morning, which may persist in some coastal areas north of Cabo Raso.
According to the IPMA, around 60 municipalities in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Vila Real, Viseu, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, Santarém, Castelo Branco, and Faro are at very high risk. Additionally, most municipalities in the districts of Braga, Porto, Santarém, and Portalegre are also at maximum risk.
The Government has extended the alert situation for forest fires in Portugal until Wednesday, August 13. However, no new information has been provided about the reinforcement of resources or government support for affected areas or specific preventive measures or evacuation plans.
[1] IPMA Fire Risk Reports, August 2025 [2] Portuguese Government Forest Fire Prevention Measures, August 2025 [3] Weather Forecast for Northern and Central Portugal, August 2025 [4] Weather Forecast for the Algarve, August 2025
[1] Under the current conditions, the environmental science community is closely monitoring the high fire risk levels, especially in the northern and central regions of Portugal, where the weather forecast predicts continued extreme heat and dryness.
[2] Given the high fire risk scenario, it's essential to understand the role of science, particularly environmental-science, in predicting and managing such events, as well as the implications for the overall health of our ecosystems.
