Portugal braces for intense Iberian coastal heat wave

Portugal's national meteorological institute (IPMA) warned that a new heat wave will hit the Iberian coast beginning Wednesday, prompting orange alerts across most inland regions and the prospect of red alerts for some areas by Thursday. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 44 °C and persist for at least a week, a rare occurrence of near‑40 °C conditions along the coast.

The Portuguese Council for Health and the Environment (CPSA) cautioned that the prolonged heat could worsen health impacts, especially for the country's ageing and socially vulnerable populations. It urged the establishment of climate‑controlled public centres where residents can seek refuge and receive assistance during the extreme temperatures.