Understand the Portuguese Weather

Summer in the Azores

Summers in the Azores are pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 25°C. Because of their location in the center of the Atlantic Ocean, the islands frequently receive more rainfall and wind than the mainland.

Winter in the Azores

Winters are chilly and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 17 °C. The Azores are renowned for their unpredictable weather, characterized by frequent rain showers interspersed with sunny intervals.

What do I need to know about Azores's weather?

Azores are a nature lover's heaven, with a unique blend of lush scenery, mild temperatures, and frequent rains.

The downside of the heat: Wildfires!

Wildfires, or "incêndios," have become an increasingly significant concern in Portugal, particularly in the country's central and northern regions.

Long, hot, dry summers—particularly in locations such as Alentejo and the Algarve—and strong Atlantic winds lead to a significant danger of forest fires, especially from late spring to October.

What are the frequencies and causes of Portuguese wildfires?

Wildfires in Portugal have increased significantly in recent decades, owing primarily to changing climate and land management methods. According to data from IPMA and the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the country experiences a large number of forest fires each year, with 2017 being one of the worst years on record. That year, terrible fires raged through central Portugal, killing over 100 people and destroying more than 500,000 hectares of land.

Strong heat waves and extended droughts frequently serve as the origins of these wildfires. In recent years, the droughts in the Algarve and Alentejo have heightened the fire risk. Mismanagement of forests, such as the accumulation of combustible materials like dried leaves and branches, also contributes to the problem. Furthermore, Portugal's prevalent eucalyptus plantations, known for their extreme combustibility, pose a major risk factor for fire spread.

⚠️ Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to see fires caused by misplacement of cigarrete buds, especially in the Algarvian and Alentejan fields, filled with dry crops.

How do the wildfires impact the Portuguese communities?

Wildfires not only burn enormous tracts of forest, but they also endanger wildlife, ecosystems, and local residents. Homes and agriculture in many tiny rural settlements in central Portugal have suffered severe damage. Smoke and ash from the flames have also caused air quality difficulties in urban areas.

In addition to the loss of life and property, flames cause deforestation and soil erosion, making the region more susceptible to future fires. The economic toll on Portugal's agricultural and tourism sectors is significant, particularly in locations such as the Algarve, where fires frequently occur during peak tourist season.

How is the Portuguese government addressing the wildfires?

The Portuguese government has developed a number of methods to battle and prevent wildfires, including expanding firefighting resources and encouraging improved land management techniques. Following the 2017 fires, including the tragedy at Pedrógão Grande, new rules imposed firebreaks and improved forest management to reduce combustible materials.

International collaboration with nations such as Spain and the European Union has also been critical in strengthening fire detection, early warning systems, and the sharing of firefighting resources during large fires. EFFIS uses satellite technology to monitor real-time fire dangers and alert authorities to probable flareups.

⚠️ The Portuguese government sends SMS alerts informing citizens of fire or heat risk.

The other downside of the heat: Algarvian and Alentejan drought

Both the Algarve and the Alentejo regions have had severe droughts in recent years, exacerbated by climate change.

These regions are known for their long, dry summers, but rainfall has been decreasing, resulting in water scarcity that affects both agriculture and daily living.

How is the drought in Alentejo region?

The drought in Alentejo is especially concerning given its status as Portugal's agricultural heartland. It's common to see the fields completely lifeless and dry, with very few green spots.

In the summer, temperatures in the region regularly exceed 40 °C, with little or no rainfall.

The Portuguese Environment Agency has expressed concern over agriculture's sustainability, citing farmers' reliance on water-intensive crops such as olives and vines.