Portugal will experience a gradual increase in temperatures starting this Sunday (September 23, 2023), which will bring temperatures higher than usual for this time of year. The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has warned that there is a possibility of a heatwave in most regions of the country.
Forecast of High Temperatures in Portugal
IPMA stated in a statement: "This warm weather period is mainly defined by its duration, and there is a high likelihood that it will turn into a heatwave across the country." According to the institute's definition, a heatwave occurs when "for a period of six consecutive days, the maximum air temperature is 5 degrees Celsius above the average daily maximum temperatures."
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Temperatures in mainland Portugal are expected to rise above 30 degrees Celsius. In some areas, such as Lisbon and the Tagus Valley, temperatures may even approach 38 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures will also rise, remaining above 20 degrees Celsius in some regions like Alto Alentejo, Beira Baixa, the Tagus Valley, and Eastern Algarve.
Reasons for Rising Temperatures and Its Consequences
According to IPMA, the warm weather is due to "the influence of an anticyclone located north of the Azores, which has spread towards the Bay of Biscay." This system will "transport a mass of continental (warm and dry) air over the Iberian Peninsula." In July, Portugal also experienced unusual temperatures, and red alerts were issued in most regions of the country, prompting the government to declare a state of alert.
A similar situation occurred in other parts of mainland Europe in July. A report from the nonprofit organization Climate Central indicated that this continent has been recognized as "the hottest abnormal region on Earth." Nearly nine out of ten Europeans spent a full month under "dangerous heat."
Given these weather conditions, European citizens, especially in southern countries, need to prepare themselves. Rising temperatures can impact public health and raise concerns about water resources and agriculture. This situation may affect daily life and economic activities. Therefore, paying attention to weather forecasts and taking necessary measures by authorities and citizens seems essential.
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