Temperatures will be “well above average for the time of year” from Thursday onwards, with highs between 25 and 27 degrees, and could reach 30 degrees in some places on the continent, according to the IPMA.
Speaking to the Lusa news agency, meteorologist Mara João Frada explained that the cold air mass that is currently on the continent will gradually be replaced by a warm, tropical air mass.
“We’re going to have the imposition of an easterly current that will bring tropical air circulation, affecting mainland Portugal. Above-average temperatures of over 10 degrees are forecast, with the exception of the Algarve,” he said.
According to the meteorologist at the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), a slight rise in temperature is already forecast for today, between 02 and 04 degrees, especially in inland regions.
“On Wednesday temperatures will rise a little more, in the range of 4 to 7 degrees, except in the Algarve, and on Thursday they’ll rise again. Overall we’ll see rises in some places of around 15 degrees,” he said.
According to Maria João Frada, the above-average hot weather for the time of year will continue until at least Sunday.
“As of Thursday, the maximum temperature will vary between 25 and 28 degrees, possibly lower along the coast and in the Algarve, it will be lower than 25 degrees. In the Tagus Valley, in some parts of the Douro Valley (more inland) and Alto Alentejo, temperatures of 30 degrees are expected,” he said.
According to the meteorologist, these maximum temperatures are above average and will start to contribute to a heatwave at IPMA stations from Thursday, with the exception of the Algarve.
“Madeira will also experience hot weather. It will be affected by an easterly current, part of the circulation of the same anticyclone that affects mainland Portugal, which will also have relatively warm transport for this time of year from North Africa,” he said.
The IPMA meteorologist also indicated that in the Madeira archipelago the maximum temperatures will rise considerably from Wednesday, reaching close to 30 degrees, and that hot weather warnings may be issued.
