Portugal on alert for 43°C heatwave and tropical nights, part of wider European crisis with over 1,300 deaths

Continental Portugal is entering a prolonged period of extreme heat that will see temperatures climb well above normal for early July, accompanied by tropical nights and elevated fire risk. The Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) has begun issuing yellow warnings and expects them to be extended and upgraded in the coming days.

Warnings and timeline

Five inland districts (Guarda, Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Évora and Beja) are under yellow warning from Monday, with maximums of 31–37°C. The warning expands Tuesday to Bragança and Vila Real, and by Wednesday it will cover the entire mainland. IPMA said it is very likely the warning level will be raised for several districts as the event intensifies.

How hot it will get

“A long period of hot and dry weather is expected, with maximum temperatures reaching between 40 and 43°C in the Tejo valley and Alentejo on 2 July, and may extend to some locations in other regions by the end of the week.”

The interior Alentejo will stay above 40°C from 1 July through at least 7 July. Even coastal areas, which were spared in late May, will feel the heat, with Lisbon reaching 40°C on Thursday, Setúbal 38°C on Thursday and Saturday, and Porto 37°C on Friday. Braga could hit 41°C over the weekend and Coimbra 40°C on Sunday.

Lisbon40

Porto37

Braga41

Coimbra40

Setúbal38

Faro36

Lisbon

40 °C

Porto

37 °C

Braga

41 °C

Coimbra

40 °C

Setúbal

38 °C

Faro

36 °C

Data from the article text

Tropical nights

Minimum temperatures will also rise sharply, exceeding 20°C across much of the country from Wednesday onward, creating conditions for widespread tropical nights. The nocturnal heat will affect areas right up to the western coastal strip, reducing overnight relief and increasing thermal discomfort.

European heatwave toll

The heat dome over the Iberian Peninsula is part of a broader extreme-heat episode that has already broken temperature records in several European countries, including Czechia, Germany, Denmark and Poland.

“More than 1,300 additional deaths since 21 June related to the high temperatures in Europe. Right now, 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are closed and power grids are being tested.”

Fire risk and precautions

Low relative humidity, generally light winds, and gusts of up to 60 km/h in the highlands of the North and Centre regions are increasing the danger of rural fire spread. Authorities are advising extra care, urging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during the hottest hours, and seek cool places, especially for children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.