Portugal is preparing for another episode of bad weather. The effects of the Kristin depression are barely behind us and a new Atlantic storm, named Leonardo, is already approaching, which promises to bring intense rain, strong winds, snow in the mountains and very rough seas in the coming days.
According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)the Leonardo depression – named by the Regional Delegation of the Azores – is being organized in the North Atlantic, around 1100 kilometers north of the Azores. This is yet another system included in the so-called “storm train” that has marked this winter and which continues to channel successive active fronts towards Portugal.
Persistent rain and strong wind on the continent
Not continent, The effects of the Leonardo depression should begin to be noticed from the late afternoon of Tuesday, February 3rd, with the arrival of a frontal system across Baixo Alentejo and Algarvewarns IPMA, in a statement. The rain will be persistent and, at times, strong, accompanied by intense wind, especially on the coast and in mountainous areas.
During the night of Wednesday to Thursday, February 4th to 5th, the most critical period is expectedwith widespread precipitation, gusts of up to 75 km/h on the coast south of Cabo Mondego and up to 95 km/h in the highlands.
In the mountainous regions of the North and Center, the total accumulated precipitation between days 3 and 7 they may reach values between 150 and 250 liters per square meter, values two to three times higher than the averagewith next Thursday (5) expected to be the wettest of these days.
“Due to this situation, meteorological warnings were issued at orange and yellow levels, namely for precipitation, snow, gusts of wind and sea disturbances”, says the IPMA.
Azores and Madeira also on alert
Nos Azoresthe first impacts will begin to be felt from Wednesday, February 4th. IPMA issued a red warning of maritime unrest for the Western group, where waves can reach 10 meters in height, with maximum peaks of up to 19 meters, and orange wind warning for the Western and Central groups, with gusts that can reach 110 km/h.
Madeira will also be affected by the frontal swells associated with the depression. Between the 3rd and 6th, frequent rain is expected, especially in the west of the island, strong wind and very rough seas. Gusts could reach 85 km/h, or even 95 km/h in the highlands, and waves on the north coast could reach 7 meters from Thursday. “Due to this situation, meteorological warnings were issued at orange and yellow levels for sea agitation and gusty winds”, states the IPMA.
Role of the Azores anticyclone and the jet stream
Precipitation is expected to persist at least until mid-February, with new systems crossing the national territory, taking advantage of the anomalous position of the Azores anticyclone, which is further south than usualno longer functioning as a stability barrier. Added to this is the behavior of the jet stream, which has remained far to the south, passing over the Azores and the continental territory, paving the way for successive Atlantic depressions.
IPMA advises constant monitoring of weather forecasts and warnings, especially in areas most susceptible to flooding, strong winds and sea disturbances. After Kristin, Leonardo confirms that winter is still far from over.
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