Mainland Portugal is bracing for a sharp deterioration in weather conditions from Tuesday, with widespread rain, “at times heavy”, expected to be accompanied by thunder and hail across much of the country.
According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), strong southerly winds are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h along the coast and 100 km/h in the highlands of the North and Centre. Rough seas are also expected along the western coastline until Friday, 6 November.
These conditions could lead to flooding, flash floods, landslides, and slippery roads caused by surface water accumulation. With much of the country now placed under an orange weather warning, authorities are urging the public to take precautions.
The National Authority for Civil Protection is advising residents to clear rainwater drainage systems and remove debris or other objects that might obstruct water flow. Loose structures such as scaffolding, billboards and suspended installations should be secured, and caution is advised when travelling through wooded areas due to the risk of falling branches or trees.
People are also urged to stay away from coastal and riverside areas that are historically prone to flooding and to avoid seaside activities. Drivers should reduce their speed, maintain a defensive driving style, and be alert to potential water accumulation on the roads.
The public is further warned not to attempt to cross flooded areas to prevent being swept away or falling into open manholes. Animals, equipment and vehicles should be moved from flood-prone zones to safer ground. Authorities stress the importance of monitoring weather updates and following instructions from Civil Protection and the security forces.
All mainland districts, except Bragança, will be under orange alert on Wednesday due to forecasts of heavy rain, IPMA confirmed.
Seventeen districts will start under a yellow warning from midnight until 3 a.m., shifting to orange from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m., before reverting to yellow until 3 p.m. Bragança will remain under a yellow warning for heavy rain between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.
A yellow warning has also been issued for strong southerly winds, with gusts reaching 80 km/h on the coast and 100 km/h in the highlands, covering the districts of Bragança, Viseu, Porto, Guarda, Vila Real, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Castelo Branco, Aveiro, Coimbra and Braga. This warning will remain in place from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 9 a.m. Wednesday.
On Thursday, eight districts — Porto, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Aveiro, Coimbra and Braga — will be under orange warning due to strong maritime agitation, with waves from the west and northwest expected to reach heights of 5 to 6 metres, and possibly peaking at 9 metres.
Earlier alerts issued by IPMA had already placed several coastal districts, including Porto, Faro, Setúbal and Lisbon, under a yellow warning from Tuesday evening, with waves of 4 to 5 metres expected.
According to IPMA, an orange warning is issued when there is a moderate to high meteorological risk, while a yellow alert signals potential risk for certain weather-dependent activities.
Gusts of up to 80 km/h are expected north of the cape of Sines, including the Greater Lisbon area, and up to 100 km/h across high-altitude regions, particularly in the North and Centre. There is also a chance of snowfall across the peaks of the Serra da Estrela, in the north of Portugal.
