Temperatures set to plummet from today

Portugal’s recent heatwave (a ‘nothing burger’ in comparison to what is being experienced elsewhere in Europe, and even the UK) is set to end abruptly today as cooler Atlantic air sweeps across the country, bringing lower temperatures, increased cloud cover and the return of rain and thunderstorms.

According to forecasts from weather portal LusoMeteo, an Atlantic depression will break the atmospheric blockage that has driven exceptionally high temperatures in recent days, replacing it with fresher, more humid conditions.

The sharpest drop in temperatures is expected in the north and centre of the country, where maximum temperatures will fall significantly during the afternoon. The change will be accompanied by increasing instability, with showers developing throughout the day and becoming more frequent and intense later in the afternoon.

Meteorologists warn that accumulated ground heat could fuel the formation of powerful convective storms – particularly in inland areas of the north and centre (the latter being the area massively damaged by wind and storms last winter). Heavy downpours, frequent lightning, hail and strong wind gusts are all possible in these areas, especially in higher regions.

IPMA, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, forecasts generally cloudy skies across mainland Portugal today, with locally heavy showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. Winds will remain mostly light to moderate, although stronger gusts are expected on higher ground.

While rainfall is not expected to be continuous, intense bursts of precipitation could lead to significant accumulations in short periods, particularly in northern districts.

In the Azores, weather conditions are expected to remain relatively stable, with variable cloud cover and occasional light showers. Temperatures should remain largely unchanged.

Madeira is forecast to stay mostly dry, with sunny intervals and temperatures remaining close to seasonal norms. However, ultraviolet radiation levels will remain very high.

Source: Executive Digest

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.