Portugal is warming up again: Maximum fire risk in 20 municipalities, temperatures could approach 38 degrees

As summer prepares to end in Portugal, hot and dry weather is increasing its impact again. According to IPMA data, 20 municipalities in seven regions are at maximum rural fire risk on Friday, September 18.

In more than 100 municipalities, the risk level is "very high".

Which regions are at risk?

Municipalities in the maximum risk category are located in the regions of Viseu, Guarda, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Santarém, Portalegre and Faro.

In addition, more than 100 municipalities in a wide area stretching from Porto to the Algarve are in the very high fire risk category.

According to IPMA's assessment, it is possible that the high fire danger in some areas will continue until the end of next week.

The temperature is rising again

Maximum temperatures in continental Portugal for September 18 are expected to range from approximately 23 degrees to 32 degrees.

However, with the strengthening of the hot and dry air mass starting from the weekend, temperatures are expected to rise to higher levels, especially in the central and southern parts of the country.

Some forecasts state that temperatures of around 38 degrees could be reached in the Alentejo and Vale do Tejo.

What does “maximum fire risk” mean?

The fire danger level is not determined solely by temperature.

Factors such as temperature, relative humidity, wind and dryness of vegetation are evaluated together.

Fever in rural areas with IPMA risk classification of “very high” or “maximum” Legal restrictions may apply to burning, use of certain machinery and some agricultural activities.

For this reason, especially those who live in rural areas or plan to go out into nature on the weekend should check not only the general weather forecast but also the daily fire risk level of their municipality.

Resources

IPMA — Perigo de Incêndio Rural

Current municipality based fire risk map

Diário de Notícias — 18 September 2026

Maximum fire risk in 20 municipalities