Portugal prepares for rising temperatures and likely heatwave

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Published: 2026-09-18T10:20:29.616Z • Permanent link

Portugal's heatwave preparations are gaining momentum, driven by an anticyclone positioned to the north of the Azores. Dr. Maria Sousa, a climatologist at the Portuguese National Authority for Civil Protection, has emphasized the need for a coordinated response to the predicted extreme heat. According to data from the European Environment Agency, Portugal has already experienced a 2°C rise in temperatures over the past decade, with the Algarve region being one of the most affected areas. By 2050, temperatures are expected to increase by up to 4°C, putting additional pressure on the country's infrastructure and ecosystems.

Temperatures in the Alentejo and the Tagus Valley could approach 38°C, posing significant challenges to daily life and economic activity. The Portuguese government has announced plans to deploy heatwave response teams, staffed by experts from various agencies, to monitor the situation and provide support to vulnerable populations. The EU's Copernicus climate data system will also be used to track the heatwave's progression and provide early warnings to authorities and the public.

Citizens are being advised to take precautions to minimize their exposure to the heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities during peak hours, and using cooling measures such as fans and air conditioning. The Portuguese National Health Service has also warned of a potential increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Portugal's heatwave preparations are not just a local concern, but also have broader implications for the EU's climate policy and the global fight against climate change. The EU's Copernicus system, which provides critical climate data and monitoring services, is being used to track the heatwave's progression and provide early warnings to authorities and the public. The Portuguese government's response to the heatwave is also being closely watched by researchers and policymakers, who are seeking to understand the impacts of climate change on European societies and economies.

The heatwave has also raised concerns about the resilience of Portugal's infrastructure, including its power grid, transportation networks, and water supply systems. The Portuguese National Authority for Civil Protection has announced plans to conduct a thorough assessment of the country's infrastructure and identify areas where improvements are needed to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. Companies such as EDF and Engie, which operate power generation and transmission facilities in Portugal, are also taking steps to prepare for the heatwave, including conducting maintenance and upgrading their systems to ensure reliability and efficiency.

The heatwave in Portugal is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly common in the region. Climate change is projected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and heavy precipitation events, posing significant challenges to European societies and economies. The EU's climate policy is being shaped by a range of factors, including the Paris Agreement, the EU's Climate and Energy Framework, and the EU's Green Deal.