The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) increased to 14 the number of mainland Portugal districts under yellow warning due to hot weather. This decision comes on a day when heat intensifies significantly across the entire Portuguese territory.
This Thursday, September 3rd, marks the peak of this intense heat episode. A very hot air mass that has settled over the Iberian Peninsula is causing exceptionally high temperatures, reaching 42 or 43 degrees Celsius, exceeding 40 degrees in several locations, especially in inland regions.
Before this heat wave, IPMA had already issued yellow warnings for 14 districts, alerting to the high temperatures. The meteorological situation is due to the persistence of this hot air mass over the region.
However, during the weekend, a gradual change in the scenario is forecast. Atmospheric instability should return, bringing showers, thunderstorms and possibility of hail on Saturday. This change will also bring a drop in maximum temperatures.