The Portuguese government has announced a nationwide state of alert starting Friday due to anticipated extreme heat lasting until next Monday. Interior Minister Luis Neves revealed the decision after a meeting of the Integrated Prevention and Operations Command, emphasizing the significant deterioration in weather conditions. Emergency measures will be implemented to mitigate wildfire risks, with restrictions on activities in forest areas and the prohibition of fireworks.
The state of alert will entail extraordinary measures for challenging circumstances and activate emergency legislation. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere has issued a red alert for 12 out of the 18 mainland districts, indicating extremely high temperatures. The remaining six districts also face elevated wildfire risk levels, encompassing most of the mainland area.
In response to the climate crisis, reports highlight Europe’s rapid warming compared to other continents. The European State of the Climate Report 2025, presented by the World Meteorological Organization, reveals that Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since 1980. The continent experienced unprecedented climate extremes in 2025, including heatwaves, wildfires, and ice loss, necessitating urgent actions to address climate change.
