Mainland Portugal records nine heatwaves and 98 heatwave days in 2026
IPMA's provisional February-to-October assessment sets a new annual record for both the number of heatwaves and the number of days meeting its heatwave definition.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 1 November 2026The record describes monitored temperature patterns across mainland Portugal, not 98 consecutive hot days at every address. It strengthens the case for household heat plans and for checking local forecasts during unusually warm periods outside summer.
- IPMA identified nine heatwaves between February and October.
- The mainland total reached 98 heatwave days, above the previous record of 97 in 2009.
- The late-June to July episode was among the most significant since 1981.
Heatwaves are measured against the season and the place
IPMA uses at least six consecutive days with the daily maximum more than 5°C above the local reference average. A February or October event can therefore qualify even when it is cooler than a summer heatwave.
The nine episodes differed in duration and geographic reach. The provisional October episode was concentrated in the north-east, while the late-September event affected 72% of the stations in the assessment.
Prepare for heat before the next alert
Check whether the home has effective shade, night ventilation and a safe cool room. Carers and employers should identify people whose health, medicines, work or isolation make unusually high temperatures more dangerous.
The annual record does not replace a current forecast. Follow DGS and civil-protection advice during each episode, seek clinical guidance for individual risk and use 112 for a life-threatening emergency.
What you can do now.
- 01
Review shade, ventilation and access to a cool room.
- 02
Plan regular checks for people who may be vulnerable during heat.
- 03
Use the current IPMA forecast and DGS guidance during each episode.
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