The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) says rainfall in the first 15 days of February made this month the wettest in 47 years in many areas, with totals about three times the 1991–2020 average. January was also unusually wet, and while drier weather is forecast for the end of winter, authorities and drivers should expect local flooding and transport disruption where soils are saturated. Those with property in flood‑prone areas or plans to travel regionally should check local civil protection notices and weather updates.
February already the wettest month in 47 years
Tuesday, 24 February 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera) is Portugal's national authority for weather, ocean, and climate monitoring. It produces weather forecasts, issues severe weather warnings, monitors seismic activity, and provides marine and atmospheric data.
IPMA uses a four-level color-coded warning system: green (no risk), yellow (potential risk), orange (moderate-to-high risk), and red (extreme risk). These warnings cover conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, extreme heat, cold snaps, rough seas, and snow.
Residents should monitor IPMA forecasts during storm season (typically October–March) and heatwaves (July–August). IPMA bulletins are used by civil protection authorities, transport operators, and local councils to make decisions about road closures, school suspensions, and evacuation orders.
Website: ipma.pt
5 sources
- It took just 15 days to make this month the wettest in 47 yearsCNN Portugal ·
- February 2026 is already the wettest in the last 47 years in PortugalExpresso ·
- The first half of February makes this month the wettest in 47 yearsRTP Notícias ·
- February was the wettest month in 47 yearsObservador ·
- Just 15 days make this February the wettest month in 47 yearsDiário de Notícias ·
