Portugal’s weather service predicts air temperatures rising from today to a sweltering 40°C or more in many Algarve locations next week.
In Faro, a rise to 38°C is expected next Friday but for Alcoutim and Portimão the prediction is for a Friday temperature of 42°C (107.6°F).
In fact, next Friday will be baking across the Algarve with temperature highs ranging from 34°C to 42°C
Olhão and Loulé 41°C
Lagos 40°C
Albufeira 39°C
VRSA 38°C
...and Sagres, a mild 34°C
These temperature forecasts all are for next Friday which looks like it is going to be the Algarve’s hottest day of the year to date, easing off a little from next Saturday, July 11.
The Spanish weather service yesterday announced that the Iberian peninsula would be hit by a heat wave from this Friday, adding that this is a situation "exceptional more for its duration than for extreme temperatures."
Spain has hot some impressive highs with 51°C recorded in July 1876 in Seville. Portugal’s freak high of 70°C (158) was recorded for just 2 minutes in July 1949 during a thankfully uncommon ‘heat burst’ but the highest non-freak temperature recorded was 47.7°C in Amareleja, Beja in August 2003.
The Spaniards say that "The heat will be felt more specifically from Sunday, July 5, and will extend over much of the following week with temperatures most likely 40°C," adding that "the nighttime temperatures also will increase, remaining generally between 20°C and 24°C."
The Portuguese weather service does not consider this a "heat wave" but admits that the temperatures will be fierce, especially in inland areas.
Care must be taken by members of the Algarve Naturist Club (CNA) who will be celebrating its 12th anniversary on July 4th with a programme of activities.
One of the venues is the Quinta dos Carriços campsite in Budens, Vila do Bispo where there will be a barbecues, birthday cake, prize giving and an award in the photography contest titled "The Nude and Nature."
On the 5th, members will be cooling off at the naturist beach at Odeceixe.
Highest recorded temperatures in
England
38.5C
in Faversham, Kent, on August 10 2003
Wales
35.2C
in Hawarden Bridge, Flintshire, on August 2 1990
Scotland
32.9C
in Greycrook, Scottish Borders, on August 9 2003
Northern Ireland
30.8C
in Shaw's Bridge, Belfast on July 12 1983 and Knockarevan, County Fermanagh on June 30 1976
Global
56.7C
at Greenland Ranch, Death Valley, California, USA on July 10 1913
Sources: Met Office, Guinness World Records