If you are still on vacation and planning to go to the beach, it is important to pay attention to sea conditions next week. According to forecasts by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), “very energetic waves with a large water volume” are expected in mainland Portugal starting Tuesday, August 26.
The cause of the maritime agitation is the post-tropical cyclone ERIN, currently located “west of the Azores archipelago, moving northeast,” as stated in a communication released by IPMA.
The organization indicated that the phenomenon is expected to remain “nearly stationary west of the British Isles until the end of next week.” However, “the very strong wind field associated with this system will generate swell in the North Atlantic, which will propagate and reach mainland Portugal from the 26th onwards.”
In this context, waves of four meters are expected on the western coast, which could reach a maximum height of up to seven meters.
“Noteworthy are the very high peak period values, between 15 to 20 seconds, which will result in very energetic waves with a large water volume, significantly increasing the risk of strong rip currents along the coast,” it warned.
The IPMA specified that, under these circumstances, “several beaches may be left without available sand” during the high tide period in the afternoon. Furthermore, yellow maritime agitation warnings have been issued for the western coast, considering the “predictably high tidal amplitude.”
“The swell will remain strong on the western coast throughout the week, with significant heights between two to three meters,” it added.
If you are in the Algarve, know that the coast “will not be as exposed” to this phenomenon, with southwest waves expected to be up to one meter.
“This situation, although not unprecedented, is uncommon in July and August, so it is recommended to follow the alerts and abide by the recommendations suggested by the competent authorities,” advised the IPMA.
