"In the satellite image, it is possible to clearly identify the plumes from the fires over the Atlantic Ocean, hundreds of kilometres west of mainland Portugal. As a rough estimate, it can be said that they are visible approximately 500 km from the coast of Portugal", indicated the IPMA, in a note on Facebook.
The IPMA also stated that "September 16 and 17, 2024 presented extremely adverse weather conditions that facilitated the spread of forest fires".
During these days, "relative humidity levels below 20% were recorded during the afternoons up to the coast, maximum temperatures above 30°C, and strong and gusty easterly winds in the highlands of the aforementioned regions".
The European satellite monitoring system Copernicus also released an image showing the extent of the fire plumes.