Summer to arrive in Portugal with 40ºC heatwave

Summer is set to make a scorching entrance in Portugal this weekend, with temperatures forecast to climb sharply from Saturday and potentially exceed 40°C in some parts of the country early next week.

According to the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), a heatwave is becoming increasingly likely and could persist throughout much of next week, prompting heat warnings and raising concerns over worsening wildfire conditions.

“It is a fairly likely scenario,” IPMA meteorologist Maria João Frada told Portugal’s State-owned news agency, Lusa. “The models have been pointing in this direction for several days and are now converging on a significant rise in temperatures from June 20 (Saturday).”

If current forecasts hold, parts of mainland Portugal could see temperatures between 35°C and 40°C from the start of next week, with the highest values expected in inland regions.

The most intense heat is forecast for the interior of the Douro Valley, the Tagus Valley and inland Alentejo, where temperatures could reach or even exceed 40°C. Along the western coast, temperatures may still climb to around 35°C.

The hot spell could prompt IPMA to issue official heat warnings over the weekend, initially covering some districts before potentially expanding across much of mainland Portugal from Monday onwards.

Night-time temperatures are also expected to rise, with tropical nights – when temperatures remain above 20°C – becoming increasingly likely across large parts of the country.

While the heat will be intense, Frada noted that such temperatures are not unusual for late June.

The weather pattern is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from North Africa and the interior of the Iberian Peninsula, associated with a low-pressure system extending from North Africa towards Portugal.

The hottest conditions are expected on Sunday, which marks the official start of summer. Most of the country is forecast to see temperatures between 31°C and 36°C, while some inland areas could approach the 40°C mark.

The heat is also expected to increase the risk of wildfires.

According to IPMA, rural fire danger will worsen across many regions at least until the middle of next week, following several days of dry weather and rising temperatures.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.