The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) warns that airborne dust from North Africa will persist across mainland Portugal until Saturday. Temperatures are expected to remain above average, reaching up to 35 °C in many regions, leading health authorities to advise vulnerable groups to stay indoors.
Sahara dust and high heat persist until Saturday
Thursday, 21 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
A red warning is the highest alert level issued by Portugal's weather agency, the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA), used when conditions pose a very high risk to life and property. Under a red warning authorities may close roads, suspend transport and advise people to avoid coastal and flood‑prone areas, so follow civil protection instructions during the Friday–Saturday storm period.
6 sources
- Mainland Portugal to experience high pollen concentrations next weekcnnportugal.iol.pt ·
- High pollen alert on the mainland until the 28thobservador.pt ·
- IPMA: High temperatures and suspended dust in mainland Portugal - Statement no. 2agroportal.pt ·
- Dust concentration in the air expected to persist until Saturdaycmjornal.pt ·
- Airborne dust concentration expected to persist until Saturdaydn.pt ·
- Dust concentration in the air expected to persist until Saturday, IPMA warnsrtp.pt ·
