Portugal Faces Extreme Fire Risk as Temperatures Soar Above 40°C

Over 60 municipalities across 10 districts in Portugal are at maximum fire risk this Thursday, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA). The situation is expected to worsen in the coming days, with temperatures predicted to rise above 40 degrees Celsius in some inland areas of mainland Portugal.

Critical Fire Risk Areas

The districts of Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu, Guarda, Aveiro, Coimbra, Santarém, Castelo Branco, Portalegre, and Faro are under maximum fire danger, with several other areas facing very high risk. The IPMA warns that the fire risk will continue to increase throughout the week and into the beginning of the next.

Weather Conditions

The IPMA forecasts clear or slightly cloudy skies across the continent, with strong winds along the western coastal strip and highlands, particularly in the afternoon. Temperatures are set to rise, with minimums ranging from 11°C in Guarda to 20°C in Faro, and maximums between 23°C in Leiria, Aveiro, Porto, and Viana do Castelo, and 34°C in Castelo Branco.

Yellow Warning Issued

Due to the extreme heat, a yellow warning has been issued for the districts of Évora, Faro, Setúbal, Santarém, Lisbon, Beja, and Portalegre from Friday morning to Saturday evening. This warning indicates a risk for certain activities dependent on weather conditions.

The fire danger levels, determined by the IPMA, range from reduced to maximum and are calculated based on air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation over the last 24 hours.