Last Thursday, September 3, 2026, was the fourth hottest September day in 85 years, since records began in 1941. The highest maximum air temperature value was recorded in Alcochete, at 44.3 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature on the mainland reached 27.6°C. IPMA reports that the previous highest maximum temperature values for the month of September were exceeded at 17% of the meteorological stations analyzed, and that eight meteorological stations exceeded or matched the previous highest minimum temperature values.
The highest value ever recorded in September was 45°C, on September 6, 2016, at the meteorological station in Lousã, in Coimbra. On the day the article was written, the highest minimum air temperature value, 28°C, was recorded in Portalegre.
IPMA explains that this exceptionally hot weather situation was due to atmospheric circulation conditioned by a small upper-level depression located to the southwest of the continental territory, combined with an anticyclone centered over the North African region and extended in a ridge to the Iberian Peninsula.
This combination of meteorological systems promoted south and southeast flows, as well as the transport of a very hot and dry air mass, with high dust content, coming from North Africa.
