Mainland Portugal registered nine heatwaves between February and October 2026, marking the highest count on record according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA). The country also logged 98 days under heatwave conditions during this span, exceeding the previous record of 97 days set in 2009. Meteorologists singled out the late June to early July heatwave as one of the most intense and widespread events recorded since 1981.
Mainland Portugal Breaks Record With Nine Heatwaves in 2026
Sunday, 18 October 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera) is Portugal's national authority for weather, ocean, and climate monitoring. It produces weather forecasts, issues severe weather warnings, monitors seismic activity, and provides marine and atmospheric data.
IPMA uses a four-level color-coded warning system: green (no risk), yellow (potential risk), orange (moderate-to-high risk), and red (extreme risk). These warnings cover conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, extreme heat, cold snaps, rough seas, and snow.
Residents should monitor IPMA forecasts during storm season (typically October–March) and heatwaves (July–August). IPMA bulletins are used by civil protection authorities, transport operators, and local councils to make decisions about road closures, school suspensions, and evacuation orders.
Website: ipma.pt
