The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts heavy rain for this Friday in the North and Central regions, especially on the Minho and Douro coasts and in mountainous areas. Storms may still occur, although the probability is low. Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto and Aveiro are under a yellow warning.
Air quality remains compromised, as it was on Thursday, as a result of the fires and wind conditions, and because of the “enormous plume of ash” that reached the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula. The IPMA also points out that, with the expected rotation of the wind towards the west quadrant during the weekend, part of this plume west of the continental territory will move again towards the North and Central regions, “being able to reach the interior of these regions and influence air quality.”
The forecast for rain is crucial to controlling the fires that are ravaging the country, although the situation is calmer this Friday. The fires that were of most concern this morning in the municipality of Castro Daire, in the district of Viseu, have already been controlled, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) informed Lusa, although there is a risk of rekindling.
Source: Observadora
