Portugal Braces for Record-Breaking Heatwave as August Set to Sizzle

Portugal is currently experiencing a significant heatwave, with forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) predicting that August will continue to see temperatures well above the seasonal average. This month, the country is also expected to witness an increase in tropical nights and a worsening drought situation, which already affects over two-thirds of the national territory.

The first half of August is anticipated to be exceptionally hot, according to Ricardo Deus, head of the Climate Division at IPMA. He confirms that the heatwave, characterized by temperatures at least 5°C above normal for six consecutive days, officially began this Tuesday. The IPMA utilizes numerical models to provide reliable forecasts up to ten days in advance, with indications suggesting that at least half of August will see temperatures significantly above the norm.

This heatwave follows extreme heat episodes in June and an initial wave in July, contributing to a general perception of unusually high temperatures. August may rank among the hottest on record, with nighttime temperatures also remaining elevated, leading to 'tropical nights' where temperatures do not drop below 20°C, increasing thermal stress on living organisms.

Absolute Extremes

While record-breaking temperatures are possible, they may not surpass the all-time high of 47.4°C recorded in Amareleja in 2003. However, the persistent hot and dry conditions could lead to new extreme records in other locations.

The ongoing high temperatures are expected to exacerbate the drought conditions across Portugal. Preliminary data shows that by the end of July, about 67% of the country was experiencing drought, with 5% at a moderate level and 62% at a weak level. The PDSI drought index classifies these conditions, and August could see a worsening of drought classifications, according to meteorologists.