Many regions of the country will see temperatures over 30°C (86°F) which meteorologists have argued will increase the risk of fires. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said on Friday, “Today and tomorrow temperatures will rise gradually. In mainland Portugal, we will see temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 33°C (91.4°F), while temperatures might be higher in the interior regions of Alentejo”.
Temperatures will remain high through next week which is uncommon this time of year. An anticyclone near the Bay of Biscay is contributing to the warmer and dryer weather. Along with the lack of rain, this increases the risk of fires.