With summer just days away, Portugal is marking its national day in sweltering heat, with 35–40 °C prompting many to seek relief in the cold Atlantic.
A mass of hot, dry air from North Africa is set to sweep across the Iberian Peninsula between 10 and 14 June, causing a sharp rise in temperatures on the mainland, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
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Even today, Portugal Day, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, temperatures will rise, ranging between 25 and 35 °C, which is normal for this time of year and just a few days before the official start of summer, with the solstice expected at 9.24 am on 21 June.
From the 11th, a sharper increase in temperatures is expected, of around 10 degrees Celsius in some areas. Values could reach 45 °C.
The 12th, the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day, is set to be the hottest, with maximum temperatures generally ranging between 35 and 40 °C across most of the territory. Night-time lows are also expected to rise nationwide, with some areas likely to record values close to or above 20 °C up to the night of the 13th to the 14th.
In other words, if you are heading to Lisbon’s festivities, wear light clothing and comfortable shoes and don’t forget to stay hydrated.
The IPMA also explains that the heat will feel more intense because of a reduction in wind strength, which will significantly add to the feeling of heat.
These high temperatures are expected to last until Saturday 13 June, with a slight drop forecast from the 14th. Until then, IPMA will keep the country under a yellow heat warning.
