After a rainy weekend, will there be respite on Monday, December 8? The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts “light precipitation” and “occasionally strong winds in the North and Central coastal strip and highlands.”
In the North and Central regions, the IPMA predicts “generally very cloudy skies” with potential “periods of light rain or showers,” which are “more likely on the coast and from the afternoon onwards.”
The wind is expected to blow “light to moderate from the southern quadrant” and “moderate to strong on the coastal strip and highlands, with gusts up to 65 km/h in Minho and Douro Litoral, especially from the afternoon.”
A similar scenario is forecast for the South, where there is a “possibility of light showers on the west coast and in Alto Alentejo until the end of the morning.”
In these three regions, there will be a “slight drop in the minimum temperature.”
In Greater Lisbon, aside from “very cloudy” skies, there will be “periods of light rain or showers, more likely between the early morning and mid-afternoon.” In Greater Porto, “periods of rain” are expected “from the afternoon.”
Note that maritime agitation will be “strong from the afternoon on the western coast.”
As for temperatures, maximums today will range between 9ºC (in Guarda) and 19ºC (in Faro, Sagres, Beja, Sines, and Évora) and minimums may vary between 6ºC (in Guarda) and 14ºC (in Sagres).
What’s the weather like this week?
The IPMA states that “the week from December 8 to 14 will be a rainy and relatively warm week,” with “temperatures above the seasonal average.”
“Maximum temperatures will be between 15ºC and 18ºC, and minimum temperatures between 9ºC and 13ºC in various locations, especially near the coast,” it explains.
Mainland Portugal will be “under the influence of a warm and humid air mass, leading to frequent rainfall and reduced visibility, especially in mountainous regions.”
“Episodes of frontal system passages, such as on the 9th and 10th, will cause moderate to strong westerly winds on the highlands and the west coast.” It will also “cause heavy precipitation, reaching higher intensity in the northwest region, where weekly accumulated values will be very high.”
Driving in the rain? Civil Protection’s recommendations
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) has issued warnings to drivers, as extra caution is necessary.
“Poor visibility, loss of traction, and increased vehicle wear are factors contributing to the danger of driving. Adapt your driving to the road conditions, visibility, vehicle condition and load, and traffic intensity,” it states.
- Adopt defensive driving;
- Increase the safety distance;
- Respect speed limits and reduce speed;
- Be especially cautious about possible water pools on roads;
- Ensure the windows are demisted;
- Drive with lights on;
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