Sweltering heatwave heading for Portugal: Mercury forecast to rise as high as 44 degrees Celsius
Portugal Braces for Severe Heat Wave
Portugal is gearing up for a severe heat wave, with temperatures expected to soar above average for this time of year. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued an orange warning for all districts in mainland Portugal, except for Faro, due to "persistent high maximum temperatures" from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Starting Monday, tropical nights are expected across most of the country, with low temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. During this period, maximum temperatures will be far above average, with inland areas such as Alentejo, the Tagus Valley, and the Douro Valley experiencing high temperatures of between 41 and 44 degrees Celsius. Coastal cities will see somewhat lower temperatures, but the heatwave is expected to be widespread across the country.
The heat wave is very likely to occur in much of mainland Portugal, particularly inland areas. This severe hot weather episode, which is expected to continue until August 6, was predicted by the IPMA as part of a severe hot weather episode. The episode is marked by several consecutive days of intense heat, contributing to a dangerous heatwave environment.
The weather conditions have led to national alerts and increased risks of wildfires, particularly in northern and inland regions. The orange warning is issued by the IPMA whenever there is a "moderate to high risk meteorological situation." Meanwhile, the yellow warning is issued when there is a risk situation for certain activities dependent on the meteorological situation. From Saturday morning until Sunday morning, the district of Faro will be under a yellow warning.
While the exact daily maximums for all six days are not detailed, the main forecast indicates very high temperatures close to or above 40°C, with some inland areas potentially surpassing 44°C between August 1 and August 6, 2022, according to IPMA assessments. This heat wave episode is expected to be considerably severe, both due to its duration and the very high maximum temperatures.
Stay safe and take precautions to protect yourself from the heat, especially during the afternoons when temperatures are at their highest. Drink plenty of water, wear loose, light clothing, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, and ensure they are taking appropriate measures to stay cool and hydrated.
Students in Portugal's environmental science programs are closely monitoring the ongoing heat wave, incorporating these extreme weather events into their studies to better understand their impacts on local ecosystems. As the heat wave persists through early August, meteorologists predict that Portugal will encounter the most severe heat wave in over a decade, underscoring the need for continued research in this field to develop mitigation strategies.
