Stormy Weather Ahead: Portugal Braces for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds This Weekend

Upcoming Weather Conditions in Northern and Central Portugal

Northern and central Portugal will experience heavy rain and strong winds from early Thursday morning until Friday morning. The cold front associated with the Caetano depression, currently affecting Spain and France, will reach Portugal in a weakened state, as explained by Jorge Ponte, a meteorologist at the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). No warnings will be issued for this event.

However, on Sunday, the effects of the newly named Beth depression may warrant a weather warning due to anticipated strong winds across continental Portugal.

The winds expected late Thursday into early Friday will be strong but relatively normal for this time of year. Along the coastal areas, particularly north of the Douro River, gusts could reach 60 km/h, while in higher altitudes, gusts may reach 75 to 80 km/h. The IPMA issues warnings starting at 70 km/h for coastal areas and 90 km/h for highlands. Some precipitation is expected, but nothing significant.

On Saturday, a temporary improvement in weather conditions is anticipated, with little to no precipitation across most regions—though brief rain could occur in Minho and the Douro coastal area. An intensification of winds from the south is expected due to another cold front linked to depression Beth. Sunday is projected to be particularly windy, with potential for warnings to be issued, as rainfall could be heavy from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning, especially in the northern and central regions of the country.

Jorge Ponte clarifies that while depression Caetano is passing closer to Portugal, its impact is less severe. In contrast, depression Beth represents a larger and more intense system, likely causing more activity across the country.