The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has clarified that Portugal will not be hit by a bomb cyclone next week. While explosive cyclogenesis is occurring in the North Atlantic, it remains far from the country, though residents should expect rain, thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures starting Monday.
IPMA warns of rain but denies bomb cyclone
Saturday, 26 September 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
A red warning is the highest alert level issued by Portugal's weather agency, the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA), used when conditions pose a very high risk to life and property. Under a red warning authorities may close roads, suspend transport and advise people to avoid coastal and flood‑prone areas, so follow civil protection instructions during the Friday–Saturday storm period.
Explosive cyclogenesis (ciclogénese explosiva), often called a bomb cyclone, is a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure at the center of a storm system. This process causes the storm to intensify quickly, resulting in high winds and heavy precipitation, though it typically occurs over open ocean waters rather than directly over land.
