New Year’s Eve Weather Forecast: Next Few Days

Portugal Braces for Cold snap, But New Year’s Eve expected to remain Dry

A cold air mass sweeping across mainland Portugal is bringing frigid temperatures and localized warnings, but meteorologists predict a largely dry New Year’s Eve with temperatures near seasonal norms.

A depression situated northwest of the country is responsible for the current cold spell, according to a source from the portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). While conditions remain dynamic, the prevailing forecast suggests a relatively mild end to the year.

Current Conditions and Temperature Outlook

The current cold snap is being driven by a depression moving south, transporting a mass of cold air. “Last night was the coldest so far,” explained meteorologist Jorge Ponte, speaking to Lusa. A large portion of the country was already under a yellow weather warning due to the cold. While temperatures will gradually rise, another cold night is expected Friday into Saturday, maintaining the yellow warning for northern and central regions.

Minimum temperatures are expected to dip close to zero, or even slightly below, in the northeast – specifically in Trás-os-montes and Beira Alta. Elsewhere, temperatures will range between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. Daytime highs will generally be between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius across most of the territory, but will be lower in the northern and central interior.

Did you know? – Portugal’s weather is heavily influenced by its location on the Atlantic coast and proximity to the Azores High, a subtropical high-pressure system. These factors contribute to the country’s diverse climate.

Regional Variations and Precipitation Forecast

Saturday will see precipitation primarily in the southern region, with potentially heavy rainfall in the Algarve. A yellow warning has been issued for the region, extending to the central region by the afternoon. The northern region is expected to remain dry. The combination of low temperatures and precipitation will make for a “cold day with some precipitation even in the Greater Lisbon region.”

Looking ahead, conditions are expected to improve from Sunday onwards.Precipitation will become “weaker and more dispersed,” with a return to generally dry conditions and temperatures within seasonal norms. However, from December 29th, morning fogs are anticipated in the northeast of Trás-os-Montes and Beira Alta, potentially leading to icicle formation due to very low maximum temperatures.

Pro tip – when temperatures drop, dress in layers to trap heat and protect against the cold. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and scarf, as notable heat is lost through extremities.

Warnings and health Advisory

Currently, eleven districts are under a yellow warning due to low minimum temperatures: Bragança, Viseu, Porto, Guarda, Vila Real, Viana do castelo, Castelo Branco, Aveiro, Coimbra, portalegre, and Braga. Beja and Faro are under a yellow warning until 1:00 PM Saturday due to the risk of heavy precipitation, hail, and thunderstorms.

The directorate-General for Health (DGS) has issued a reminder that falling temperatures can exacerbate chronic diseases and urged the public to take necessary precautions to protect their health.

Why: A cold air mass, driven by a depression northwest of Portugal, is causing a cold snap across the mainland.
Who: The cold snap is affecting all of mainland Portugal, with specific warnings issued for eleven districts regarding low temperatures and two districts (Beja and Faro) regarding heavy precipitation. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) is monitoring the situation, and the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) has issued health advisories.
What: The cold snap is bringing frigid temperatures, potentially below zero in the northeast, and localized heavy rainfall, especially in the south. Yellow weather warnings are in effect for several districts.
How did it end?: The cold snap is expected to subside starting Sunday, with precipitation becoming weaker and dispersed, and temperatures returning to seasonal norms. While morning fogs and potential icicle formation are anticipated in the northeast from December 29th, New year’s Eve is forecast to be largely dry.