Heatwave Alert for Mainland Portugal
Poinews.com – As July begins, mainland Portugal faces an extended period of extreme heat, with temperatures projected to surpass 40°C and tropical nights anticipated throughout the week. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) attributes this phenomenon to an anticyclone situated north of the Azores archipelago, which is drawing in a very hot, dry air mass.
Regional Temperature Projections
IPMA reports that average temperatures will be 3°C to 7°C higher than usual across the country. Central regions and the Alentejo area are expected to see the most significant increases, with some areas potentially reaching 5°C to 7°C above normal. From Wednesday, the 40°C threshold will be breached in Alentejo, and by the end of the week, high temperatures may spread to other regions.
Coastal Impact and Tropical Nights
Unlike previous heat events, coastal areas are also likely to feel the effects of the extreme weather. Daytime highs between 35°C and 38°C are forecasted starting Wednesday. IPMA explains that the afternoon sea breeze will be weaker than usual, allowing unusually high temperatures to develop in regions where they are not typical. This trend will be further intensified by tropical nights, where minimum temperatures could reach 12°C to 17°C early in the week, climbing to over 20°C in inland areas by Tuesday and extending to other regions by Thursday.
“The afternoon sea breeze along the coast will be weak, allowing unusually high temperatures to be recorded in places where they are not common,” noted IPMA.
Warning Levels and Updates
Yellow weather warnings have been issued for the districts of Guarda, Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Évora, and Beja starting Monday. These alerts will be expanded to Bragança and Vila Real by Tuesday, with the remaining mainland districts coming under warning on Wednesday. IPMA warns that the long duration of the heatwave may lead to higher warning levels in several districts in upcoming updates.
