According to the IPMA, Temperatures will be significantly higher than usual for this time of year, with maximums ranging between 25 and 27ºC, possibly reaching 30ºC inland.

Speaking to the Lusa agency, meteorologist Mara João Frada explained that a mass of hot, tropical air will gradually replace the current mass of cold air on the continent.

“An easterly current will bring tropical air circulation, affecting mainland Portugal. Above-average temperatures of more than 10 degrees are forecast, except for the Algarve,” she said.

According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) meteorologist, on Wednesday, temperatures will rise slightly, ranging between 4 and 7 degrees, except in the Algarve. On Thursday, there will be another increase in temperature. Overall, we will have increases in some places of around 15 degrees,” she said.

According to Maria João Frada, this unusually hot weather for this time of year will continue at least until Sunday.

Thus, starting Thursday, the maximum temperatures will range between 25 and 28 degrees. They may be lower across the entire coastal strip and in the Algarve, where it will possibly be below 25 degrees. In the Tagus Valley, in some areas of the Douro Valley (innermost part), and Alto Alentejo, temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees,” she said.

According to the meteorologist, these maximum temperatures are higher than average. From Thursday onwards, they will contribute to a heat wave at the IPMA stations, except for the Algarve.

“Madeira will also experience hot weather. It will be affected by an easterly current within the circulation of the same anticyclone that affects mainland Portugal, which will also bring relatively warm air from North Africa for this time of year”, she added.

The IPMA meteorologist also indicated that in the Madeira archipelago, the maximum temperatures will rise considerably from Wednesday onwards, reaching close to 30 degrees, not ruling out hot weather warnings being issued.