Portugal faces unusual autumn-like depression starting Sunday

An unusual Atlantic depression is expected to reach mainland Portugal starting Sunday, bringing weather patterns more characteristic of autumn than late August. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) warns that the system, which is moving from the north of the Azores toward the Iberian Peninsula, will likely bring persistent rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.

Forecasts indicate that the northern and central regions may be most heavily affected, with potential wind gusts reaching between 70 and 90 km/h and localized heavy rainfall. The coastal areas of several districts, including Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, Lisbon, and Setúbal, have been placed under yellow alerts.

In addition to precipitation and wind, the depression is expected to cause rougher sea conditions, with significant wave heights potentially increasing to three meters. Temperatures are also predicted to drop, with maximum values in the north and center potentially falling to between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius.