Portugal Issues Orange Heat Alerts as Temperatures Near 42°C

A prolonged heat wave is affecting much of Europe, with temperatures approaching 40‑42 °C in several countries. France has placed 35 departments under red alert and banned public alcohol consumption in hotspots, while Germany issued intense heat warnings and Spain cancelled outdoor World Cup fan zones. In Italy, residents seek shade at historic sites.

In Portugal, the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) has issued yellow alerts for many inland districts and orange warnings for Bragança, Guarda and Vila Real, among others. Forecasts predict interior highs up to 42 °C, driven by an anticyclone over the Iberian Peninsula and a western depression bringing hot, dry air from North Africa. The extreme heat raises wildfire risk; the National Republican Guard (GNR) and the Armed Forces have boosted patrols to about 210 mobile units daily, added 20 army patrols, deployed drones and remote video surveillance over millions of hectares to monitor forest fire danger.

Authorities across the region are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exertion during peak heat and observe safety measures to prevent fires.