Weekend Beach Plans? Think Again: Yellow Warning for Rain in 8 Portuguese Districts

Weather Alert: Heavy Rain Expected This Weekend

Eight districts in mainland Portugal will be under a yellow warning for rain from Saturday night to Sunday morning, according to the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). This alert follows warnings from Civil Protection for preventive measures in areas affected by recent wildfires.

Affected Areas and Timing

• Porto, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga: Yellow warning in effect from 9 PM Saturday to 6 AM Sunday due to periods of rain, sometimes heavy.
• Viseu, Santarém, and Leiria: Yellow warning valid from midnight to 9 AM Sunday.

Weather Forecast Details

A cold front of moderate activity is expected to approach and pass through mainland Portugal starting late Saturday afternoon. Rain is forecast to begin in the North and Central coastal regions and gradually spread to the rest of the territory by Sunday.

Heavy precipitation is likely, especially in the North and Central coastal areas, with the highest probability during the night of Saturday to Sunday and the morning of Sunday. Temperatures are set to drop sharply on Sunday, with maximums decreasing by 6 to 10 degrees Celsius inland and 3 to 6 degrees Celsius along the coast. From Sunday onwards, maximum temperatures will range between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius across the country, with minimal changes in minimum temperatures, both below average for this time of year.

Civil Protection Warnings

Civil Protection issued an alert on Friday urging the public to take preventive actions, particularly in burned rural areas that are more exposed and vulnerable. The first rains can lead to urban flooding, flash floods, landslides, and erosion, exacerbated by the loss of vegetation from wildfires or soil artificialization.

Additional concerns include contamination of drinking water sources by debris from fires and hazards from wind-blown objects on roads, which could cause accidents. Recommendations include clearing drainage systems, removing debris, practicing defensive driving by reducing speed and avoiding flooded areas, and staying informed through weather updates and authorities' instructions.

Context on Wildfires

According to the Integrated Rural Fire Management System (SGIFR), 2025 is the third worst year on record for burned area up to August 31, with 17% of large fires starting at night.