The highest temperature recorded today reached 46.6ºC in Mora, according to meteorologist Alexandra Fonseca from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA). She noted that these are preliminary figures requiring confirmation by the Climate Division.
This temperature was logged at 3:30 PM, Fonseca added.
In a phone conversation an hour later, the meteorologist indicated that the temperature is unlikely to rise further today.
On Saturday, a temperature of 45.4ºC was recorded in Alvega, located in the municipality of Abrantes, district of Santarém.
Fonseca mentioned that the highest air temperature ever recorded in Portugal was on August 1, 2003, in Amareleja, Moura municipality, Beja district, at 47.3ºC.
Regarding June’s maximum temperature, she stated, “The highest recorded to date was slightly lower, 44.9ºC, in Alcácer do Sal in Setúbal district, on June 17, 2017.”
Fonseca noted that there is expected to be a temperature drop on Monday, although it might not be very significant. “It will be noticeable, especially along the coastal area of the Central region, while the country, primarily in the Interior, will maintain high temperatures,” she said.
The IPMA meteorologist explained that “despite a decrease of one or two degrees, temperatures in the Interior will still be high,” justifying the red alert issued by the IPMA.
Due to the heatwave affecting the country, IPMA placed seven mainland districts under a red alert between today and Tuesday: Lisbon, Setúbal, Santarém, Évora, Beja, Castelo Branco, and Portalegre.
The remaining districts are under orange (the second most severe) and yellow alerts, varying from today until Tuesday.
