The “cold wave” affecting Spain is heading towards Portugal, according to climatologist Mário Marques in a CNN Portugal report. Rain, wind and even snow are forecast at the country’s highest points, but nothing that should cause “much concern”, he predicts.
“Of course, this depression is already entering the central part of the territory and will affect the Estrela system and other systems, where it could snow above 1,200 meters, especially from late afternoon or early in the evening,” he explains.
From there, the depression continues over the rest of the national territory and will mainly affect the Algarve, the Alentejo coast and the Setúbal region. “These regions will be most affected, especially on the night of the 14th, the early hours and morning of the 15th and throughout the day of the 15th,” he guarantees, explaining that the depression will bring frequent and heavy downpours of rain and intense winds.
However, the weather should be calmer in the northern region. “In the North, the problem will arise especially this evening and during the day tomorrow, with occasional showers,” he specifies.
Floods
The climatologist warns of the risk of flooding of public roads and local flooding if the rains are more intense in urban areas. However, Mário Marques rules out a scenario similar to that which has affected Spain in recent weeks.
“No, not at all,” he emphasizes when asked if the weather conditions in Portugal will reflect what happened in the neighboring country. He explains: “This is a completely normal situation that occurs in autumn. It is at this time of year that this type of situation is most likely to occur.”
Mário Marques therefore excludes a situation “which generates a lot of concern in terms of risk”. Even the current scenario in Spain, where Tarragona and Malaga are the most affected regions, is not comparable to what happened in Valencia. “There is no similarity. That week was very special,” he explains.
