Residents and visitors to the Portuguese island of Madeira should prepare for unsettled weather conditions Tuesday, December 16, as the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued advisories for both land and sea . A yellow warning is currently in effect, signaling potential disruptions from strong winds and hazardous maritime conditions, with the Funchal Port Captaincy issuing parallel recommendations for safety . Mariners and coastal communities are urged to exercise caution as wave heights are forecast to reach significant levels.
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued a weather advisory for the island of Madeira, forecasting generally cloudy skies and scattered showers for Tuesday, December 16. Rainfall is expected to be light, but more frequent on the north-facing slopes and in higher elevations.
Strong winds are also anticipated, blowing from the north/northwest at moderate to strong speeds of 30 to 50 kilometers per hour (approximately 19 to 31 miles per hour), with gusts potentially reaching 70 kilometers per hour (43 miles per hour). These stronger gusts are particularly likely along the eastern and western extremes of the island, as well as in the highlands. The city of Funchal is expected to experience lighter winds, below 15 kilometers per hour (9 miles per hour).
Temperatures are expected to dip slightly, with highs ranging between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius (61 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) in Funchal and Porto Santo. This cooling trend comes as the region prepares for potential disruptions from the approaching weather system.
A yellow warning is in effect for the north coast of Madeira and Porto Santo due to strong maritime agitation, with northwest waves predicted to reach 4 to 5 meters (approximately 13 to 16 feet). The alert highlights the potential dangers for maritime activities and coastal areas.
The north coast of Madeira and the island of Porto Santo will be under a yellow warning for maritime unrest for 24 hours between Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Along the south coast, waves are expected to be 1 to 1.5 meters (approximately 3 to 5 feet) from the southwest, increasing to 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) on the western side of the island.
Sea water temperatures are currently around 20 to 21 degrees Celsius (68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Funchal Port Captaincy has followed IPMA’s lead in issuing warnings to navigation and citizens regarding the strong maritime agitation and the need for caution along the Madeira Archipelago’s coastline. A warning is in effect, at least until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, December 16, but is expected to be extended, given the period of validity of the IPMA warning.
