Portugal is preparing for a period of severe winter weather after authorities issued the highest level red warning for several northern and central districts due to heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions. The alert covers Braga, Porto, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, and Viseu, where snow is expected to fall from midnight on Friday through Saturday morning. Forecasts indicate snowfall above 600 to 800 metres, with accumulations that could reach between 20 and 30 centimetres at higher elevations, alongside a strong risk of ice formation. These conditions are expected to cause major disruption to road traffic, particularly in mountainous and inland areas, and may also affect local supplies and essential services. The warning was issued Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere as part of a broader set of alerts linked to deteriorating weather across the country.
Beyond the districts under red alert for snow, several other regions are facing elevated risks as the weather system moves south. Coimbra, Aveiro, Castelo Branco, Guarda, and Bragança have been placed under orange warning due to snowfall, while large parts of the country are under yellow alerts for heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities expect periods of intense rainfall during the afternoon and evening, increasing the risk of local flooding and travel delays, especially in urban areas. The severe weather is also expected to impact coastal regions, where conditions at sea are forecast to worsen significantly. Emergency services have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly overnight and during early morning hours, and to follow official guidance as conditions evolve rapidly. The combination of snow, rain, and wind marks one of the most disruptive winter episodes of the season for Portugal.
Coastal warnings are set to intensify further on Saturday, with red alerts issued for rough seas along much of the west coast. Forecasts point to northwest waves with significant heights of seven to nine metres, with maximum waves possibly reaching up to fifteen metres. These conditions pose serious risks to maritime activity, coastal infrastructure, and public safety near exposed shorelines. Several districts, including Porto, Lisbon, Setúbal, Faro, and Beja, are expected to be affected, following earlier orange and yellow warnings already in place. Authorities have cautioned against coastal access, fishing activity, and navigation during the peak of the storm. Civil protection services are monitoring the situation closely and have emphasised that the coming hours will be critical. Residents are being advised to secure property, stay informed through official channels, and be prepared for further restrictions as severe winter conditions continue to affect large areas of the country.
