Madeira placed under yellow heat warning as fire risk rises
Madeira GuideHot, dry conditions, low humidity and easterly winds are forecast through Friday, with suspended dust also possible.
The Regional Civil Protection Service warned on Wednesday, 23 September, of hot and dry weather in Madeira in the coming days, as IPMA issued a yellow hot-weather warning for the whole archipelago on Thursday, 24 September.
IPMA forecasts a small temperature rise caused by an easterly flow carrying hot, dry air. Thursday is expected to bring light to moderate easterly wind, low relative humidity, especially in higher areas, and possible suspended dust.
The yellow warning remains in place on Friday, 25 September, with hot and dry conditions, predominantly easterly wind and low humidity, particularly in higher areas. It may be extended until Saturday, 26 September. From Saturday, the wind is expected to shift west, with a gradual fall in temperature and higher humidity.
Possible effects include rural fires, while the weather conditions may make fire-suppression operations more difficult. Civil Protection advised people to adapt their behaviour, take preventive measures and avoid using spark-producing equipment in rural areas, including brushcutters, chainsaws, grinders and welding machines. Bonfires and burnings are prohibited between 1 April and 31 October.
- Call 112 if you detect a fire or another emergency.
- Avoid camping in forest areas.
- On classified walking trails, remember that high temperatures raise the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
- Avoid going out during the hottest hours, direct sun exposure and outdoor physical exercise.
- Drink water or juice, avoid alcoholic drinks, and take particular care of children, older people, pregnant women and outdoor workers.
This site previously reported High Fire Risk Alert Issued for Madeira's Forests Amid Heatwave.
Update — 2026-09-24
Civil Protection also advised keeping shutters or curtains closed during the hottest hours and opening them at night to ventilate and cool homes. It recommended light-coloured, lightweight clothing and lighter meals eaten more frequently during the day.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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