This Thursday, July 2, Lisbon was placed under a red alert: the most severe level on the IPMA scale. In the coming days, the heat will really intensify: highs around 40°C, nights that don’t cool down, and a heat alert that has already prompted the City Council to open a network of cooling centers throughout the city.
How long will this last?
The IPMA has placed 12 of the 18 mainland districts under a red alert from Thursday through at least Saturday. Lisbon is among them. The alert went into effect at midnight from Wednesday to Thursday. Highs are expected to range from 35 to 41°C across most of the country, reaching 41–44°C in the Tagus Valley and the Alentejo. In the capital, the forecast calls for 39 to 40°C between Thursday and Sunday.
And this isn’t expected to last just a few days. There’s talk of at least a week, with the possibility of a heat dome forming over the Iberian Peninsula, which would make the heatwave even more persistent. There are even signs that high temperatures above 35ºC could persist in Lisbon until Monday or Tuesday of next week.
The problem isn’t just during the day
There won’t be much relief at night either. Lows will remain above 20°C across most of the country, and in areas like Greater Lisbon, they may not even drop below 24–28°C for several nights in a row. In practice, the body doesn’t have time to recover from the heat accumulated during the day, which increases the risk for those who are already more vulnerable: the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses.
Intense sunshine through Friday
Through Friday, the 3rd, the UV index will range from very high to extreme (levels 10 to 11) across the entire mainland. It’s best to avoid the sun in the middle of the day, and if you really have to go out, wear UV-protective sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Where to cool off in Lisbon
In light of the red alert, the Lisbon City Council has asked the Municipal Police and the Fire Department to increase their state of readiness. The city also reminds residents that it has a network of climate shelters: cooler spaces where people can spend the hottest hours of the day.
Libraries and cultural venues: Palácio Galveias Library, Penha de França Library, Marvila Library, Belém Library, MUDE – Design Museum, Casa dos Bicos, Fado Museum, and São Jorge Cinema, among others.
Gardens and green spaces: Monsanto ForestPark , Mata de S. Domingos, Carnide Green Park, Príncipe Real Garden, Torel Garden, Avenida da Liberdade, Tapada das Necessidades, Campo Grande Garden, and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles Urban Park.
One of the already visible consequences: the Lisb-On festival has changed locations. It was set to take place in Monsanto Forest Park but has been moved to the Eduardo VII Park Garden, precisely because of the temperatures forecast for Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4. City Hall says it is also keeping a close eye on the most vulnerable members of the population: the elderly, children, the homeless, and those without air conditioning at home.
How to get through this without any scares
There’s no secret to it: drink water (at least 1.5 liters a day) and avoid overdoing it on coffee or alcohol. Seeking shade and staying out of the sun between 11 a.m . and 5 p.m. helps a lot. At home, it’s a good idea to keep shutters and blinds closed during the hottest hours, opening the windows only at the end of the day, when the air cools down a bit. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, loose-fitting light-colored clothing, a hat, and UV-protective sunglasses also make a difference. It’s best to save intense outdoor exercise for another day.
If you need to drive, choose the coolest times of the day, and never—even for a short time—leave children or pets inside a vehicle parked in the sun. Pay extra attention to those most at risk: children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work outdoors.
Intense sweating, fever, vomiting, nausea, or a very rapid and weak pulse require immediate attention. In such cases, call SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) or 112.
Useful Information
Red alert in Lisbon: from midnight Wednesday into Thursday (July 2), at least until Saturday (July 4)
Expected high temperatures in the capital: between 39°C and 40°C
Low temperatures: between 25°C and 27°C
UV Index: very high to extreme (level 10 to 11) through Friday
Emergency: SNS 24 – 808 24 24 24 | European emergency number – 112
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