Portugal places over 50 municipalities at maximum rural fire risk

On 24 July 2026 the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) warned that around 50 municipalities across the interior of Portugal – including districts such as Bragança, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Santarém, Portalegre and Faro – are at maximum risk of rural fire. The agency also listed roughly 70 additional municipalities at very high risk and more than 60 at high risk in districts spanning the north, centre and south of the country.

IPMA’s fire‑risk rating, which ranges from reduced to maximum, is based on temperature, humidity, wind speed and recent precipitation. The institute forecasts mostly cloudy or partly sunny skies with light west winds and temperatures between 15 °C and 35 °C, noting that the fire danger is expected to increase from Monday onward, when virtually the whole mainland will face maximum or very high risk. The alert aims to prompt heightened preparedness among local authorities and residents ahead of the heightened heat and dry conditions.