Heatwave Alert: Portugal Braces for 40ºC Temperatures as Hurricane Ernesto Approaches

Intense Heatwave Approaching Portugal

Starting this Thursday, Portugal will experience a significant heatwave driven by Hurricane Ernesto, currently situated in the Caribbean. The hurricane is expected to move along the East Coast of the United States through the weekend, pushing the Azores High towards the Iberian Peninsula. This shift will bring a mass of hot air impacting not only the mainland but also the Azores and Madeira islands.

Orange Weather Warnings Issued

The IPMA (Institute of Sea and Atmosphere) has escalated alerts to orange for three districts: Beja, Évora, and Portalegre starting Friday at midnight. These districts will face the second most severe warning due to extreme heat, with maximum temperatures expected to exceed 40ºC in many areas.

Yellow Warnings in Effect

From 6 AM on Thursday, yellow warnings will also apply to Évora, Beja, Portalegre (until midnight), and other districts including Setúbal, Santarém, Lisbon, Leiria, Coimbra, and Braga (until 9 PM on Friday). Additionally, Faro and Castelo Branco will remain under yellow warnings until Saturday evening.

Tropical Nights Expected

The Bragança district will have a yellow warning for hot weather from 6 AM on Friday to 6 PM on Saturday, with persistent high temperatures anticipated. The Madeira mountain regions will also be under orange warnings for heat from Friday at midnight until Saturday evening. In the Azores, a yellow warning for heat is in effect but will expire by noon on Thursday.

Extreme Temperature Forecast

Forecasts indicate maximum temperatures exceeding 40ºC in the Alentejo, Setúbal, and Tejo Valley, while the rest of the country will see peaks above 30ºC. Tropical nights are expected south of the Tejo, with minimum temperatures above 20ºC (potentially reaching 22/23ºC in the Algarve).

High Fire Risk

Given the extreme heat, the risk of wildfires is significantly elevated across various regions in Portugal.