Portugal hit by intense heat wave with temperatures up to 39 °C

Portugal’s mainland is experiencing a severe heat wave, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 38‑39 °C in the Alentejo, Vale do Tejo and interior regions. Nights are predicted to stay above 20 °C, creating tropical conditions especially in the interior, Alentejo and Algarve. The Institute Portuguese of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued yellow heat alerts for several districts and warned of a very high fire danger.

The heat spell is part of a broader European temperature surge, with record‑high May readings reported in Spain, France, the United Kingdom and other countries. France has recorded seven heat‑related deaths, underscoring the health risks associated with the extreme temperatures.

IPMA expects the heat to persist through Thursday and Friday before a gradual cooling trend begins, while also forecasting isolated thunderstorms with hail in the north‑central interior later in the week.