Scorching Temperatures and High Fire Hazard Expected: Forecast Predicts Over 35°C Next Week, Signaling Maximum Fire Risk
Portugal Forecasts Rise in Temperature and Fire Risk Starting Tuesday
The Instituto do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) has issued a warning for a gradual temperature increase starting on Tuesday, May 23, across continental Portugal. This upsurge may elevate the Risk of Rural Fire, potentially reaching some municipalities in the southern part of the country.
In its statement, the IPMA emphasizes that temperatures are currently above the usual climatological values for May in most of the territory, with a tendency for a steady upsurge, particularly on days 29 and 30.
Beginning on Tuesday, May 27, the maximum temperature is expected to surpass 30°C in most regions, excluding some coastal areas in the western region. The South region and the Tejo Valley may experience temperatures above 35°C.
Similarly, the minimum temperature will also rise, with values below 10°C persisting in some areas of the North and Center regions until Monday, May 29. These figures will gradually increase throughout the week to values above 15°C across most of the territory by the end of the week.
According to the IPMA, the ongoing hot and dry weather is due to a hot air mass arriving from North Africa. As a result, over the coming days, skies will remain mostly clear or cloudless, with some cloudiness during the early morning and beginning of the day in the North and Center regions, mainly in the first days of the week, and along the coast.
Wind will predominantly originate from the north, being weak to moderate, temporarily shifting from the east during the early morning. Winds may become strong on the west coast and highlands, particularly during the afternoon, with a tendency to weaken and a greater predominance from the east on days 29 and 30.
The Ultraviolet Radiation index will remain at very high values.
While there is no specific IPMA forecast for May 27–30, traditionally, late May in Portugal boasts mild to warm weather with predominantly sunny or partly cloudy skies. Average daytime temperatures in southern regions tend to range between 20°C and 25°C, occasionally reaching up to 27°C on warmer days. Nighttime temperatures usually hover around 13°C to 16°C. The UV index during this period typically ranges from moderate to high, necessitating sun protection for outdoor activities.
- The increase in temperature and fire risk from Tuesday may be a consequence of the gradual upsurge in environmental-science and climate-change factors, such as the arrival of a hot air mass from North Africa.
- Given the steady upsurge in temperatures and the expectation of weather above 30°C in most regions, it's crucial to consider the potential impact on the science of weather and climate-change, particularly in the context of Portugal's ongoing environmental-science studies.
