Portugal tourists hit by warning after hottest-ever temperatures recorded

40 regions across Portugal have been put on red alert after the hottest ever temperatures were recorded.

British tourists planning holidays in some of the most popular resorts in Portugal are being warned of extreme fire risks as high temperatures sweep the country.

Portuguese authorities have issued the warning to residents and holiday makers alike as temperatures could reach as high as 39C. 

The high temperatures have caused authorities to issue a maximum fire danger warning in municipalities primarily in the south of Portugal with temperatures are expected to spike in the inland region of Castelo Branco at 39C on Tuesday.

Further municipalities including: Bragança, Évora, Guarda, Faro, Setúbal, Beja and Portalegre are at maximum risk of fire caused by the high temperatures, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and have been placed under a Yellow alert.

The warning will run until 6pm on Wednesday before authorities can re-assess conditions. The risk, as determined by IPMA, has five levels based on air temperature, relative humidity, wind speeds and the amount of rain across the various regions.

The Faro region being affected will concern British holiday goers in particular, as it hosts the largest airport in Southern Portugal with 3.2 million passengers going through their doors in 2023 alone.

The airport is the gateway to the Algarve region with popular resorts like Albuferia and Lagos, where the weather warning has caused concern of an increased fire risk.

The news comes after 160 people were evacuated from Madeira last week amidst forest fires on the Island which has also been given the highest level of warning from Portuguese weather authorities.

Moer than 195 firefighters were deployed to tackle blazes with resources from across the island used to keep locals and tourists safe.

The fires were most strong on the West of the Island, with the majority of fire services focusing on the area.

Flights have also been disrupted as a number of airlines have had to delay services to the Island.

Meteorologist Paula Leitão told Portuguese broadcaster Antena 1 that the fire warnings for Madeira will be extended to the other regions, with the searing heat expected to continue until Wednesday.

Flights have also been disrupted to the Island which hosts an average of 335,000 British tourists each year, making Brits the most common visitors of any country.

The evacuations were seen as a precaution while authorities continue to monitor the situation.