"For today [26 May], we are expecting a rise in temperature, especially the maximum, which could reach 38/39 degrees in areas of Alentejo, Vale do Tejo and the interior," she said, adding that on the west coast the highs will be 6 to 7 degrees and in the rest of the territory 1 to 2 degrees compared to those recorded on 25 May.

Tropical nights

As for minimum temperatures, tropical nights are expected, above 20 degrees, mainly in the interior of the country, Alentejo and Algarve.

According to the meteorologist at the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), Monday [25 May] was the sixth day with above-average temperatures, contributing to the heat wave.

“We are already experiencing a heat wave across practically the entire territory. It's not a very normal situation [for this time of year], but it's not unprecedented,” she indicated.

Alexandra Fonseca also said that from 26 May onwards, dust is expected to be suspended in the atmosphere, but not as intensely as last week's episode.

Yellow warnings

“Due to this rise in temperature and hot weather, yellow warnings have been issued that will begin on 26 May at 9 am in the districts of Leiria, Lisbon, Santarém, Setúbal, Portalegre, Évora, and Beja. The rest of the territory will also be under a hot weather warning starting tomorrow, the 27th, except for Faro. This warning extends until the 28th with these high temperatures,” she indicated.

Return of the rain

However, a new situation of showers accompanied by thunderstorms and hail is expected on 27 May during the afternoon in the northern and central interior.

"For now, the models show a downward trend for Thursday and Friday [28 and 29 May]. We don't know exactly by how many degrees, but we will continue to have high temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees," he said.