According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), all municipalities in the districts of Bragança, Guarda, and Viseu, as well as most in Vila Real, Castelo Branco, and Coimbra, are at maximum fire risk.
Also at maximum risk are dozens of other municipalities in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Santarém, Portalegre, and Faro.
Approximately 50 municipalities are at very high risk in the districts of Faro, Beja, Évora, Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Santarém, Leiria, Coimbra, Aveiro, and Porto.
About 40 municipalities, primarily along the coastal areas in the districts of Faro, Setúbal, Lisbon, Santarém, Leiria, Coimbra, Aveiro, and Porto, are at moderate risk.
The fire risk determined by IPMA has five levels, ranging from reduced to maximum, with the latter being issued when weather conditions such as extreme heat and low humidity significantly increase the risk of fires starting and spreading.
Portugal has been on alert for rural fire risk since August 2, and this year, 63,247 hectares of forested areas have burned, half of which occurred in the past three weeks, with 5,963 fires, mainly in the North and Central regions.
IPMA forecasts a slight decrease in maximum temperatures for today along the west coast. The wind will be light to moderate (up to 25 km/h) predominantly from the southern quadrant but occasionally strong (up to 40 km/h) in highlands.
Minimum temperatures will range from 16°C in Viana do Castelo to 25°C in Portalegre, and maximums from 24°C in Viana do Castelo to 41°C in Évora.
