Data from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) reveal that in 2020 and 2022, maximum temperatures were recorded almost reached 40 degrees Celsius.

Looking at IPMA data from 2000 to 2023, a gradual warming trend can be observed in the summer months (June, July, August, and September). In fact, in the last decade, average temperatures above 36º Celsius were recorded in 5 years. And 2022 was one of the hottest years of the millennium in Portugal, with some municipalities recording an average temperature of almost 39º Celsius in July, according to Público.

However, the same data reveals that the rise in temperature is not, however, widespread in all municipalities. For example, Melgaço, Peniche, and Gouveia reached average temperatures equal to or below 20º C in the summer months from 2018 onwards, according to the same publication.