Portugal heatwave triggers yellow warnings and fire risk

Portugal is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 38‑39 °C in the Alentejo, Vale do Tejo and interior regions. The Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) has issued yellow weather warnings for districts including Leiria, Lisboa, Santarém, Setúbal, Portalegre, Évora and Beja, and extended alerts to most of the country except Faro.

The elevated heat has raised fire danger, prompting the IPMA to classify seven Faro‑district municipalities – Aljezur, Monchique, Portimão, Silves, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira – as at maximum risk of rural fires, with many other districts placed at very high or high risk. Nights are expected to remain tropical, staying above 20 °C in much of the interior.

The heatwave is part of a broader European pattern, with record‑high May temperatures reported in Spain, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria and the Czech Republic. Authorities across these countries have also issued heat alerts and heightened fire‑prevention measures.