In an alert released today, and according to forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the AMN and the Navy point to sea aggravation from 06:00 on Friday and 12:00 on Monday.

According to the alert, the sea waves will be characterised by a west/northwest swell that “may reach eight metres and a maximum height of 12, with an average period ranging between 10 and 18 seconds” and “winds with an average intensity of up to 85 kilometres (km) and gusts of up to 120km”, coming from the same quadrant.

Return to port

In view of these forecasts, the National Maritime Authority and the Navy “reinforce the recommendation, especially to the fishing and recreational boating community that is at sea, for the eventual return to the nearest safe port and the adoption of precautionary measures”.

It is recommended to reinforce the mooring and surveillance of moored and anchored vessels and it is also advised that seafarers maintain a permanent state of vigilance and monitor the evolution of the meteorological situation.

Avoid coastal walks

For the general population, the Maritime Authority advises against taking walks along the coastline and on the beaches, as well as the practice of activities in areas exposed to sea waves or affected by the surf.

In particular, access and permanence near the cliffs and cliff areas should be avoided, and it is essential to adopt a preventive posture, not exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.

The IPMA also issued today an “Orange Notice” for seven districts on the mainland between Friday and Saturday due to the forecast of strong maritime agitation, with waves of five to six metres, which could reach 10/11 metres in maximum height.

The notice covers the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria and Lisbon and will be in force between 12:00 on Friday and 06:00 on Saturday, then turning yellow between 06:00 and 11:00 on Saturday.

The IPMA has also placed the districts of Setúbal, Beja and Faro under “Yellow Warning” due to the sea waves, with waves of 4 to 5 metres from west-northwest.