Voters heading to the polls on Sunday for Portugal’s presidential election can expect a cold but largely sunny day across most of the country, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Meteorologist Paula Leitão said temperatures will be very low, particularly overnight and in the early morning, but dry weather and sunshine should dominate in most regions. Any light showers are expected mainly in inland areas during the early hours, with little impact on the rest of the day.
The wet weather will persist earlier this Friday and Saturday, with rainfall across the country, and in some coastal areas the possibility of thunderstorms and hail. Snow is forecast above 1,200 metres, prompting a yellow weather warning.
Conditions are set to improve on Sunday, with less cloud cover, although some cloud and isolated snow showers may occur in higher inland areas, including Serra de São Mamede. A northerly wind, stronger along the coast, will add to the wind chill.
Minimum temperatures could fall to -3°C in Bragança, with daytime highs reaching 9°C. Porto is expected to see temperatures between 3°C and 12°C, Lisbon between 5°C and 12°C, the Alentejo between 3°C and 12°C, and Faro up to 14°C.
Portugal’s presidential election takes place on Sunday, with a record 11 candidates in the race. If no candidate secures an absolute majority, a second round will be held on February 8. The winner will succeed Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, whose term ends in March.
