Like yesterday, this Tuesday, the continent continues to face severe weather conditions related to Storm Patty, and eight areas are under yellow warning due to heavy rain, wind and atmospheric instability, with the greatest impact in the regions Central and South.
The areas of Porto, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro and Braga will be under yellow warning until 9am today, and Guarda, Santarém, Castelo Branco and Portalegre until 12pm today.
Early today, significant precipitation has already been felt in many areas of the country. During the day, periods of rain spread across almost the entire continent, with particular intensity in parts of the Central region, such as Beira Litoral and Beira Baixa, and in the South, namely in Lisbon and the Tagus Valley. Rain should also affect the North, especially on the coast, although at a lower intensity.
In addition to precipitation, the wind gusts can reach more than 50 km/h, especially in the most exposed areas, such as Leiria and Guarda, although the speed is expected to decrease as the day progresses.
As the day draws to a close on Tuesday, the weather is expected to improve, with greater stability forecast from Wednesday onwards. As Storm Patty moves away, skies are expected to be partly cloudy or clear across much of the continent, bringing a brief respite for the next few days.
Mild temperatures with small variations
The temperature will remain mild, without major fluctuations. The Coimbra area should reach a maximum of 24ºC, while Santarém and Beja reach 23ºC. In the North, maximum temperatures will be lower: Bragança, Vila Real and Guarda should record temperatures between 17ºC and 19ºC.
Despite the improvement expected for Wednesday and Thursday, meteorology suggests that cloud cover could increase again at the end of the week, indicating that rain could return, with greater frequency in the north-west of the country.
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to another edition of our expert interview series. Today, we have with us Dr. Maria Lopes, a climatologist specializing in extreme weather events. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lopes.
Dr. Maria Lopes: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss the current weather patterns we’re experiencing.
Time.news Editor: As many are aware, Storm Patty has been making headlines, particularly across several regions in the continent. Can you give us a brief overview of what this storm entails?
Dr. Maria Lopes: Absolutely. Storm Patty is characterized by severe atmospheric instability, leading to heavy rain and strong winds. As it moves through the continent, it has resulted in yellow warnings in various regions, particularly impacting Central and Southern areas.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite serious. Could you explain what it means when areas are placed under a yellow warning due to weather conditions?
Dr. Maria Lopes: A yellow warning indicates that there’s potential for significant weather conditions to develop, which could pose a risk to health, safety, and property. In the case of Storm Patty, the warnings in regions such as Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Aveiro reflect concerns over heavy rainfall and wind impacts that could lead to flooding and infrastructure challenges.
Time.news Editor: That sounds concerning. What are some immediate actions that residents in those warned areas should take?
Dr. Maria Lopes: Residents should stay informed through their local weather updates and heed advice from authorities. It’s wise to prepare for potential power outages by having essential supplies on hand, securing outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds, and avoiding unnecessary travels during severe conditions.
Time.news Editor: Given the unpredictability of climate patterns, do you think we can expect more frequent storms like Patty in the future?
Dr. Maria Lopes: Unfortunately, yes. Climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Warming oceans and changing atmospheric conditions create a breeding ground for storms. As such, it’s vital for communities to enhance their resilience to these events.
Time.news Editor: That’s an important point. What role do you see for local governments and communities in addressing the challenges posed by storms like Patty?
Dr. Maria Lopes: Local governments need to invest in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather—this means enhancing drainage systems, reinforcing buildings, and maintaining communication systems for emergency alerts. Communities can also organize preparedness training and encourage sustainable practices to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lopes. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate through these stormy times. As we conclude, what message would you like to send to our viewers regarding the current weather situation?
Dr. Maria Lopes: I’d like to emphasize the importance of preparedness. Stay informed, heed warnings, and take proactive measures to protect yourselves and your loved ones. The more we work together and understand the science behind these storms, the better we can respond and adapt.
Time.news Editor: Thank you again, Dr. Lopes, for your expertise and time today. We hope that everyone remains safe during this storm and takes the necessary precautions.
Dr. Maria Lopes: Thank you, and stay safe!