Temperatures could reach 30°C across Portugal this week

The warmest conditions are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, when highs could range from 24°C or 25°C to 30°C. Some inland areas of the Alentejo and Tagus Valley may be hotter still, with temperatures reaching 31°C to 34°C, IPMA meteorologist Maria João Frada told Lusa.

The rise will be felt across much of the country, with maximum temperatures expected to sit above the usual levels for this time of year. The main exception is the coastal strip north of Cabo da Roca and Cabo Carvoeiro. There, low cloud, mist or fog could linger through the day, keeping temperatures closer to 20°C to 22°C.

In the Algarve, the nights and early mornings are expected to remain milder than in many other regions. IPMA forecasts minimum temperatures of 15°C to 17°C along the south coast, while temperatures elsewhere may fall to between 10°C and 14°C.

The warmer conditions could contribute to a heatwave at a large number of IPMA weather stations, particularly from Tuesday, the meteorologist said. However, the forecast is not for temperatures of 30°C everywhere: the highest readings are expected inland, while coastal areas may stay cooler.

The warm spell is expected to continue through much of the week. Temperatures may begin to fall on Friday or Saturday, when showers and thunderstorms could also develop. IPMA cautioned that this part of the forecast is less certain and will need to be confirmed in the coming days.