The weather on Thursday is expected to remain influenced by the depression Claudia, with forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds, sometimes accompanied by thunder, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA).
The depression will also bring strong maritime agitation, with waves potentially reaching 5 meters, and in some cases, hail.
The latest IPMA update on the depression Claudia indicates that “the highest precipitation levels will be recorded on the North and Central coastal areas and mountainous regions.”
Winds are expected to blow from the southern quadrant, with gusts up to 85 km/h on the coast and up to 110 km/h in highland areas on the 13th.
“Additionally, waves from the southwest, measuring between 3 to 4 meters and temporarily 4 to 5 meters on the 13th, are expected to affect usually sheltered coastal parts, such as the southern coast of the Algarve and the Arrábida region,” the IPMA adds, noting an updated communication will be issued at 19:00 on Thursday.
Both in Greater Lisbon and Greater Porto, the 13th will see “periods of rain or showers, sometimes heavy, with hail and accompanied by thunder.”
In terms of temperatures, a slight decrease in maximum temperatures is expected in the southern region, while a slight increase in minimums is anticipated inland. Maximum temperatures will range between 12°C in Guarda and 21°C in Faro, with minimums oscillating between 9°C in Guarda and 17°C in Faro.
It is noted that fourteen districts in mainland Portugal will be under an orange warning, the second most severe, until 9:00 due to heavy rain, transitioning to a yellow warning afterward.
Moreover, all districts of mainland Portugal and Madeira will be under yellow warnings for various reasons – maritime agitation, wind, or precipitation – during different periods from today until Friday.
The yellow warning for rain will remain in effect in all mainland districts at least until 21:00 on Friday.
Mainland Portugal and the Madeira archipelago have been affected since Tuesday by wind, rain, and maritime agitation due to the depression Claudia, which began impacting Minho and subsequently spread to all mainland districts.
According to IPMA, “the highest precipitation accumulations will occur in the North and Central coastal areas and mountainous regions, possibly exceeding 150 mm in some locations by Sunday.”
From midnight to 16:00 on Wednesday, over 220 incidents related to adverse weather, primarily fallen trees, were reported in mainland Portugal, according to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) and the Lisbon municipality.
Rain, Wind, and Maritime Agitation: Civil Protection Advisories
Before the onset of the depression, Civil Protection urged the population to adopt preventive measures. In an alert to the public, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) warned of potential floods and landslides as weather conditions worsen in mainland Portugal due to the passage of depression Claudia.
The ANEPC highlights the possibility of flooding in urban areas, overflow-induced river and stream floods, landslides, and contamination of potable water sources by debris from rural fires.
Recommendations include clearing drainage systems, driving cautiously on slippery roads, and removing animals and equipment from easily floodable areas.
Sea activities and seaside walks are also advised against.
