After several consecutive mild winters, much of the continent is once again experiencing what many are calling a “real winter,” with widespread snow cover and prolonged sub-zero temperatures. While Portugal typically experiences mild winters due to its Mediterranean climate, recent snowfall in higher elevations and powerful storms have sparked increased interest.

A Rare but Not Unprecedented Phenomenon in Portugal

Snow in Portugal is uncommon, particularly at low altitudes. The last time snowflakes fell in Lisbon was on 29 January 2006. That snowfall was brief and light, and it melted quickly, but it was a real snow event — and it was widely reported as the first snow in Lisbon in about 52 years at the time (the previous notable snowfall was in 1954).

This winter, snow has again appeared in expected regions, and snowfall was reported in mid-January in Serra da Estrela, Geres, and several higher elevations in the Vila Real district. Authorities issued yellow weather warnings for snow in districts like Viseu (expected above 1000–1200m altitude with some accumulation), and the Alto Minho region also saw snow alerts at higher elevations at the beginning of this month. In mid-January, fifteen districts were already under a yellow warning due to forecasts of snow and occasionally strong sea swells.

Further South, snow also fell at Foia, the highest point in the Algarve, in the Monchique Mountains, and hail was reported with rain in Tavira, underscoring the unsettled weather.

A Very Different Winter Across Europe

Snow conditions differ significantly across many other European countries; after several years of milder winters, Europe is again experiencing a “real” winter. There is snow cover across many European countries, and temperatures are below zero.

At the beginning of January, a large part of the continent’s surface was covered with snow, which is significantly above average for the middle of winter in the last 30 years and one of the highest values ​​in the modern history of snow monitoring. Such claims are supported by data from satellite monitoring.

The last time a similarly extensive snow “pack” was seen was in 2019 or even earlier, especially in the seasons of 2009 and 2010, which belong to historically strong winters in Europe.

Currently, snow covers the entire eastern and central Europe. The snow cover extends all the way to the Adriatic Sea.

Compared to last year, the difference is significant. Last year, snow fell mainly in the mountains and in northern and eastern Europe. This year, the situation is the opposite. Snow covered vast lowlands and cities, but paradoxically, there is less of it in the mountains of Central Europe. The reason was a warm, dry December that did not generate sufficient snow reserves, especially in the Alps. Central Europe can expect extremely cold nights, with temperatures dropping to -20 °C. Europe is not only expecting snowfall but also further cooling. Very cold air is expected to continue to flow into our region from the northeast.

According to an article by Severe Weather Europe, the main cause of this weather is the breakdown of the polar vortex. This is a huge swirling vortex of cold air around the North Pole. It has weakened significantly this year, which is why extreme cold has penetrated Europe.

Portugal’s Winter

January is typically the coldest month in the Algarve. Cooler temperatures are noticeable, especially at night, due to high moisture levels in uninsulated buildings. According to January climate data, the Algarve averages 13 °C. Lisbon has an average of 11.5 °C.

This year, January weather brought several challenges, and consecutive Atlantic depressions (storms) are currently affecting Portugal. Storm Ingrida on 22 January, which continued for several days, caused numerous incidents, including fallen trees, road closures, urban flooding, and school closures in Vila Real and parts of Trás-os-Montes. Snow accumulation was significant in the mountain ranges of the North and Central regions above 800 metres of altitude. Ingrida also brought rough sea conditions, with waves of 6 to 8 metres in significant height on the west coast, reaching a maximum height of 15 meters, IPMA highlighted.

Between Sunday, 25th, and Monday, 26th, a very active cold front, associated with storm Joseph, was reinforced by an atmospheric river. It first affected the Azores and then mainland Portugal. On Tuesday, the 27th, the rainstorm reached its peak intensity, with most municipalities under active heavy rainfall warnings. There were gusts of up to 100 km/h and waves up to 11 meters high. The same day, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) issued recommendations to the public due to worsening weather conditions expected overnight in mainland Portugal, associated with the passage of Storm Kristin. This was a very powerful storm that deepened explosively, exceeding 24 hPa in 24 hours, moving rapidly eastward at an estimated 140 km/h towards the western coast of mainland Portugal, accompanied by an associated frontal system, Ventusky site stated.

Residents should continue to monitor updates from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) for the latest yellow, orange, or red warnings, particularly in coastal areas.