The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued an orange weather warning for maritime agitation in the districts of Porto, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Aveiro, and Coimbra. Wave heights of five to six meters, reaching up to 11 meters at their peak, are expected from 18:00 today until 15:00 on Thursday.
Districts under yellow warnings, which apply before and after the orange alert, expect waves between four to five meters, including Faro, Setúbal, and Beja.
The IPMA issues an orange warning for “moderate to high-risk meteorological situations,” whereas yellow indicates a “risk for certain weather-dependent activities.”
In the northern interior, the districts of Guarda and Castelo Branco are under a yellow alert due to snow. Accumulation of about five centimeters is expected above 1,400 meters, with up to 10 centimeters at the highest points of Serra da Estrela.
The IPMA warns of potential disturbances such as restricted or closed roads, ice formation, damage to structures or trees, and disrupted local supplies.
The agency advises adherence to warnings and recommends preventive measures, such as reducing outdoor activities during maritime agitation and being mindful of road conditions in snowy and icy areas.
The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) advised preventive measures on Sunday in response to cold weather forecasts, especially in the North region, noting increased risks of respiratory illnesses, worsening chronic conditions, and accidents.
Predicting cold weather for the coming days, with some districts in Northern Mainland Portugal experiencing negative temperatures, the DGS issued recommendations for the public to safeguard their health against the cold’s negative effects.
Recommendations include avoiding prolonged exposure to cold and sudden temperature changes, dressing in layers, wearing hats, gloves, and scarves, not sitting for more than an hour at a time when at home, drinking water even without feeling thirsty, consuming soups and hot beverages, avoiding alcohol, and increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (such as fruits and vegetables) while avoiding fried, fatty, or sugary foods.
The DGS also calls for “enhanced attention” to vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, isolated individuals, or the homeless. It suggests precautions for outdoor activities, avoiding strenuous efforts in the cold, and wearing appropriate clothing.
