The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has taken stock of the weather situation in recent days and reported that last Wednesday, July 13th, was the worst day in terms of the current wave of fires, was the hottest day of the year and the 5th hottest day in the last 23 years.

It should be remembered that Pinhão, a parish in the municipality of Alijó, recorded 47 degrees centigrade on that day, which constitutes the new maximum for the month of July in Portugal.

The previous highest value for July (46.5°C) had been recorded on July 23, 1995, at Amareleja station, which has, in absolute terms, the highest maximum temperature value on August 1, 2003, with 47.3°C.