IPMA weather alerts

Weather warnings in Portugal: understand the IPMA alert system and know what to do at each level, from yellow to red.

What is IPMA?

IPMA (Instituto Portugues do Mar e da Atmosfera) is the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, the official body responsible for weather monitoring in Portugal. It issues weather warnings classified by colour (green, yellow, orange, red) according to the expected severity. These warnings are issued per district and may vary by region.

Alert levels

Green alert: No risk

What it means: Normal weather conditions. No significant danger expected.

  • No special precautions needed
  • Good time to check and update your emergency kit
  • Check expiry dates on food and medication
  • Charge power banks and torches

Yellow alert: Risk to specific activities

What it means: Weather situation with some danger. May cause isolated damage and affect outdoor activities, transport and navigation.

  • Monitor the evolving weather conditions
  • Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities
  • Check that your emergency kit is ready
  • Charge all electronic devices
  • Bring in loose outdoor objects (plant pots, clothes lines, chairs)
  • Stay alert for updates from IPMA and Civil Protection (ANEPC)

Orange alert: Moderate to high risk

What it means: Dangerous weather situation. High probability of property damage, service disruptions and risk to personal safety.

  • Immediate action: Activate your family emergency plan
  • Close shutters, blinds and windows
  • Fill the bathtub and containers with water
  • Park your car in a sheltered spot (away from trees and walls)
  • Have cash in notes readily available
  • Cook meals in advance
  • Unplug sensitive electrical equipment
  • Do not plan unnecessary journeys
  • Check on elderly neighbours and vulnerable people
  • Prepare your evacuation bag as a precaution

Red alert: Extreme risk

What it means: Extreme weather situation. Serious danger to life. Widespread damage expected to homes, infrastructure and essential services. Storm Kristin in January 2026 reached this level.

  • STAY INDOORS. Do not go out unless absolutely necessary
  • Stay in an interior room, away from windows and glass doors
  • If the authorities order an evacuation, OBEY immediately
  • Keep a battery-powered radio on for official instructions
  • Turn off the gas if you smell it or if there is structural damage
  • Do NOT use lifts
  • Do NOT attempt to drive during an extreme event
  • Do NOT touch fallen power lines
  • Do NOT wade through floodwater (15 cm of flowing water can knock an adult off their feet)
  • Call 112 only in genuine emergencies

Where to check alerts

IPMA

ipma.pt

Official website with a district-level warning map, detailed forecasts and real-time precipitation radar.

IPMA app: iOS and Android (free), automatic warning notifications.

Civil Protection (ANEPC)

prociv.gov.pt

Official alerts, safety instructions, municipal emergency plans and post-disaster support.

Civil Protection app: iOS and Android, location-based alerts.

Radio and TV

During a red alert, RTP (public broadcaster) and Antena 1 (public radio) provide continuous updates:

  • Antena 1: 95.7 FM (Lisbon), 96.7 (Porto)
  • RTP1: free-to-air television channel
  • Civil Protection: official communiques

Types of weather phenomena

Wind

Strong gusts can bring down trees, power poles and roofs. Above 90 km/h, the damage becomes significant. During Storm Kristin, gusts of 160 km/h were recorded.

Rainfall

Heavy rain can cause flooding, flash floods and landslides. Especially dangerous in low-lying areas, near rivers and on hillsides.

Temperature

Heatwaves (above 40 C) or extreme cold (below 0 C) are warned separately. Especially dangerous for the elderly, children and people with chronic conditions.

Important tip

Install the IPMA app and turn on notifications for your region. Also set up the Civil Protection (ANEPC) app. These are the fastest ways to receive alerts before an extreme event. During an orange or red alert, check the warnings every hour.