The weekend’s biggest match isn’t on a pitch; it’s a looming battle against the elements. Fans and players across eight districts are checking the skies, not just the scoreboards, as Portugal’s weather institute, IPMA, issued yellow alerts for rain. This comes after Civil Protection urged everyone to prepare, especially those in areas still healing from summer’s fires.
From Saturday evening into Sunday morning, five northern powerhouses—Porto, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga—will face periods of heavy rain. The yellow alert for these regions starts at 9 PM Saturday and lasts until 6 AM Sunday. Further south, in Viseu, Santarém, and Leiria, the rain warnings kick off earlier, from midnight Saturday until 9 AM.
This weekend’s soggy forecast is thanks to a moderately active cold front. It’s set to roll in late Saturday afternoon. Rain will begin on the northern and central coast, then spread across the entire mainland on Sunday. Expect some intense downpours, especially along the northern and central coast, mostly during Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Beyond just the rain, temperatures are also taking a noticeable tumble on Sunday. Maximum air temperatures could drop sharply, falling between 6 and 10 degrees Celsius inland. Along the coast, the drop will be a slightly milder 3 to 6 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures across the country should settle between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius from Sunday onwards. Minimum temperatures won’t change much. This means both highs and lows will feel cooler than what’s typical for this time of year.
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) has stepped up, advising people to take precautions. Their message is crucial, particularly for rural areas burned in recent wildfires, which are now more vulnerable. They remind us that the first heavy rains can quickly overwhelm urban drainage systems, leading to floods. They also warn of flash floods, landslides, and rockfalls, especially where fires have cleared vegetation or where soil is compacted.
Another major worry for authorities is the potential for drinking water sources to become contaminated by debris from these burned areas. Strong winds, often accompanying heavy rain, could also send loose objects or poorly secured structures onto roads. This poses a real risk to drivers heading to games or pedestrians out and about. So, if you’re traveling, be extra vigilant.
To minimize these risks, simple steps can make a big difference. Clear out home drainage systems and remove any loose materials around your property. If you’re driving, take a defensive approach: reduce your speed and watch out for sheets of water on the roads. Never try to drive or walk through flooded areas. You can’t see hidden potholes or open manholes that could be dangerous. Always stay updated on weather reports and heed official warnings.
This year’s fire season, up to August 31st, stands as the third worst on record for land burned. A sobering detail: 17% of the largest wildfires began under the cover of darkness. This means the weekend’s rain isn’t just a weather event; it’s a challenging reminder for communities grappling with recovery, adding another layer of complexity to their already tough road ahead.
