Latest news and stories about public safety in environment in Madeira, Portugal for expats and residents.
The warning from the Funchal captaincy, based on IPMA forecasts, indicates that waves on the north coast may reach 10 metres, while not exceeding 4.5 metres in the southern part of the island.
The sea agitation warning is upgraded from yellow to orange from 00:00 until 09:00 on Thursday.
The orange warning is issued by the IPMA whenever there is a meteorological situation of moderate to high risk.
Warnings for strong wind and rough seas remain in effect until 06:00 on Wednesday, according to IPMA. It also suggests that “vessel owners and operators take the necessary precautions.”
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has warned that Storm Therese (Depressão Therese) will affect the mainland and Madeira through Saturday. Residents should expect intense rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, with snow possible at high altitudes in Madeira. Sea conditions will also worsen, particularly along the southern coast and in mountainous regions. Residents should check local weather updates before traveling.
IPMA is the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera), the national agency for weather, marine forecasts and climate monitoring. Residents should watch its forecasts and warnings during storms, heatwaves or cold snaps because IPMA issues official advisories used by services, transport operators and local authorities.
The warning for rough seas is active between 3:00 PM on Wednesday and 12:00 PM on Thursday, covering the north and south coasts of Madeira and Porto Santo, with waves forecast to reach up to five metres.
Showers are expected, sometimes heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms.
The Madeira archipelago in Portugal is under alert due to severe weather conditions caused by the passing depression Therese. From Tuesday to at least Friday, the region will experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds (up to 130 km/h), and significant maritime agitation with waves reaching 10-12 meters. Snow is also expected above 1,400-1,500 meters altitude. These conditions may lead to fallen trees, infrastructure damage, flooding, and coastal erosion. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere has issued yellow weather warnings, and authorities advise caution during this period.
The archipelago is being affected by Storm Regina, which is expected to impact the weather conditions until Wednesday morning.
Home News Yellow Weather Alert in Effect Yellow Weather Alert in Effect Strong Winds Hit Madeira By TPN, in News · 03 Feb 2026 · 0 Comments Credits: envato elements;Author: Mumemories; Madeira is under a yellow weather warning as strong winds are expected from 9 pm on 4 February until 9 am on 5 F
IPMA emphasised the possibility of wind gusts of up to 75 kilometres per hour.
The Madeira archipelago is under a yellow warning today because of strong winds, the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has warned.
The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued a yellow warning for the Madeira archipelago today due to strong winds. The advisory signals elevated risk to public safety and potential disruption to transport and maritime operations; residents and visitors are advised to follow local guidance and monitor updates from authorities. The situation warrants vigilance but does not currently indicate the most severe weather categories.
Madeira is expected to see waves of up to 4.5 metres on the north coast and 3.5 metres on the south coast. Authorities are urging caution when preparing to go to sea, while at sea and in coastal areas.
The northern coast of the island and Porto Santo are under an orange warning until Tuesday. Waves could reach up to 12 metres.
IPMA has once again upgraded the warning for rough sea conditions affecting Madeira.
The north coast of the island of Madeira and Porto Santo are under an orange warning for rough sea conditions, with waves forecast at 5 to 5.5 metres, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said today.
The harbourmaster warns that waves on the north coast could reach up to four metres.
The island is expected to register waves of up to four metres on the north coast and three metres on the south coast. Authorities warn: avoid walks close to the sea, refrain from recreational fishing and keep vessels monitored.
The Madeira archipelago has been affected since Wednesday by the low-pressure system called Francis, characterised by rain, rough seas and strong winds.
The incidents included fallen trees, landslides (mass movements), downed power lines and collapses.
The storm affecting Madeira has already caused flooding and landslides. There have also been reports of fallen trees and downed power lines. Santa Cruz and Machico were the municipalities with the highest number of incidents.
A low-pressure system named Francis is forecast to affect Madeira at around 03:00, prompting an orange weather warning for the early hours. Emergency services have issued alerts advising the public to take precautions against heavy rain, strong winds and possible flooding, with authorities monitoring conditions and readiness for response.
