Meteorologists are predicting “temperatures of more than 10 degrees above average”
Temperatures in mainland Portugal will be “well above average for the time of year” from Thursday, with maximums ranging mostly between 25ºC and 27ºC and possibly reaching 30ºC in some areas, according to Portugal’s Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA).
Speaking to the Lusa news agency, IPMA meteorologist Maria João Frada explained that the cold air mass that is currently centred on the mainland will gradually be replaced by a warm, tropical air mass.
“We’re going to have the imposition of an easterly wind that will bring tropical air circulation, affecting mainland Portugal. Temperatures of more than 10 degrees above average are forecast, with the exception of the Algarve,” she said.
According to the meteorologist from the national meteorological institute, a small rise in temperature is already forecast for today (April 9), between two and four degrees, especially in inland regions.
“On Wednesday temperatures will rise a little more, in the region of 4ºC to 7ºC, except in the Algarve, and on Thursday they’ll rise again. Overall we’ll see rises in some places of around 15ºC,” she said.
According to Maria João Frada, this above-average hot weather for the time of year will continue until at least Sunday.
“So, from Thursday onwards, the maximum temperature will vary between 25 and 28ºC, possibly lower along the coast and in the Algarve, it will be lower than 25ºC. In the Tagus Valley, in some parts of the Douro Valley (more inland) and Alto Alentejo, temperatures of 30ºC are expected,” she said.
“Madeira will also experience hot weather. It will be affected by an easterly current, part of the circulation of the same anticyclone that will affect mainland Portugal, which will also have relatively warm weather for this time of year from North Africa,” she said.
The meteorologist also indicated that maximum temperatures in the Madeira archipelago will rise considerably from Wednesday, reaching close to 30ºC, and that hot weather warnings may be issued.
Source: LUSA
