Portugal is bracing for another intense heatwave, with authorities issuing red alerts in several regions as temperatures are expected to climb as high as 44C.

According to Channels Television, parts of Portugal, including the Lisbon region, will move to red alert as the country faces worsening heat conditions after initially escaping the worst of Europe’s ongoing heatwave.

The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said Lisbon and Setubal will be placed on red alert on Thursday, with the warning extending to Leiria and Coimbra on Friday. Temperatures in some areas could reach 44C.

An orange alert was already in effect on Wednesday across four inland regions, including Evora, where temperatures were forecast to hit 41C.

Residents say the unusual heat has arrived earlier than expected. Jose Bonifacio, a busker in Evora, noted that such temperatures are typically experienced in August rather than early July.

The intense afternoon heat has emptied streets in the historic city, with many residents and tourists seeking shelter in cafés and shaded areas. Construction worker Carlos Guedes described the conditions as especially difficult for those working outdoors.

IPMA warned that the current heatwave’s most significant concern is its expected duration, with extreme temperatures likely to persist for at least a week. Coastal regions may also experience hotter conditions due to reduced sea breeze, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain unusually high at between 24C and 28C.

The Portuguese government has urged residents to follow health advice and has instructed municipalities to prepare cooling shelters for vulnerable people. These may include public buildings, churches, shopping centres and hotels.

Secretary of State for Health Ana Povo said the measures are aimed at protecting those most at risk during the prolonged heat.

The heatwave comes as Europe continues to experience record-breaking temperatures. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution said the recent European heatwave was the most severe ever recorded and would have been virtually impossible in June without climate change.

Temperature records have recently been broken across several European countries, including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The United Kingdom and Switzerland also recorded their hottest June temperatures.