Mainland Portugal is currently experiencing a heatwave that has affected much of Western Europe, with temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius in parts of the Iberian Peninsula, Greece and France.
The heat caused a wide range of unstable weather in Portugal, such as sudden rain showers, strong storms and hail. These phenomena were more intense inland.
On Sunday, hundreds of swimmers were surprised by thick clouds emerging from the ocean and moving towards the beach.
The phenomenon, known as a wave cloud, hit several beaches along the Portuguese coast during the afternoon.
The footage quickly spread on social media.
Wave clouds are a rare meteorological phenomenon that is created by the interaction of air masses with different temperatures and sea breezes. These clouds are tubular in shape and move horizontally. Although they look like a large wave, fortunately they have nothing to do with tsunamis.
As the clouds approached, a strong wind appeared that surprised the beachgoers.
With temperatures expected to rise further during the week, fears of major wildfires are growing. The National Civil Protection Service issued a warning to the population with preventive measures and other recommendations.
The statement said that the fire risk in rural areas is very high, with a maximum in the interior of the north and center, as well as in the Algarve.