persistent weather alert persists
Portugal is bracing for a severe heatwave, with several districts under orange and yellow warnings due to soaring temperatures. According to the Portuguese Institute of Meteorology (IPMA), maximum temperatures across most of mainland Portugal are forecast to range between 30°C and 38°C, with some inland southern areas and the Tagus (Tejo) and Douro river valleys potentially reaching up to 43°C from August 9 to 11, 2025.
The heatwave conditions are linked to a strong anticyclone north of the Azores and a depression between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, transporting hot, dry air over Portugal. This contributes to prolonged high temperatures and elevated minimum temperatures exceeding 20°C in several interior regions.
Bragança and Vila Real will be under an orange warning, the second most severe, due to very high maximum temperatures. The southern interior, Tagus (Tejo) river valley, and Douro river valley are forecast to experience temperatures up to 43°C. The interior North & Central regions will have temperatures between 30-38°C, with minimum temperatures exceeding 20°C. The west coast will have slightly lower temperatures, but they will still be warm.
A slight drop in temperatures is expected across the mainland on Wednesday, but the heatwave is expected to continue, significantly increasing wildfire risks. The ongoing heatwave has led to extended national alerts and activity restrictions in rural and forested zones.
On August 12, 2025, some regions in Portugal are still expected to experience maximum temperatures between 38°C and 42°C, with potential localized exceedances above 42°C.
The IPMA has issued a red warning for extreme high maximum temperatures, except along the coast. The archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores are not under warnings today. Five more districts in the north of the country will remain under an orange warning today, including Braga, Porto, and Viana do Castelo. The remaining districts on the mainland, excluding Faro, are under a yellow warning due to persistent high maximum temperatures.
According to the IPMA, Braga and Évora are forecast to reach 41°C (104°F) today. The yellow warning will last throughout the day in all districts except Leiria, Lisbon, and Setúbal, which will have no warnings from 6 pm. today. Guarda and Viseu will remain at orange warning level, while Aveiro and Coimbra will be under a yellow warning starting this afternoon. Braga, Porto, and Viana do Castelo will be under a yellow warning from 6 pm. today due to persistent high maximum temperatures in the interior of the district.
The red warnings have been in effect since noon on Monday in the northern districts and will continue until 6 pm. today. The heatwave is part of a broader European heat dome causing severe heatwaves across southern and central Europe, projected to last into mid-August, with extreme heat extending northward.
Stay safe and hydrated during this heatwave, and follow any local advice and warnings issued by the IPMA.
Weather-forecasting by the Portuguese Institute of Meteorology (IPMA) predicts maximum temperatures across Bragança, Vila Real, and several other districts to reach up to 43°C during the heatwave from August 9 to 11, 2025. The ongoing heatwave significantly increases wildfire risks and has led to extended national alerts and activity restrictions in rural and forested zones.
