Mainland Portugal and the Algarve, in particular, will face a Christmas marked by anticyclonic weather conditions, but also by an increase in morning fog, a phenomenon that promises to obscure part of the Christmas season in several regions of Europe – hydrometeor, according to .
Atmospheric stability, associated with high pressure, will be predominant in the national territory, resulting in mild temperatures during the day, but cold at night.
The morning fog, known as radiation fog, is the hydrometeor that will gain prominence in the coming days. This phenomenon occurs when the ground surface cools significantly during the night, causing the surrounding air to reach saturation temperature. Its formation is more common in conditions of weak wind and high atmospheric stability, typical characteristics of the presence of anticyclones.
In the North and Center of Portugal, the fog will be denser and more persistent, affecting plateaus, river valleys and depressions. In the Algarve, although less intense, this phenomenon may appear in specific areas, dissipating more quickly during the central hours of the day.
Mild temperatures and absence of rain
In the Algarve, Christmas is expected with maximum temperatures of 18 to 19 ºC, providing pleasant days ideal for outdoor activities. The minimum temperatures, however, will be between 5 and 8 ºC, with marked temperature variations throughout the day.
The absence of precipitation will mark the entire Christmas week in mainland Portugal, with ideal conditions for travel and outdoor celebrations. However, increased air pollution is a concern in urban areas close to the coast, as a result of prolonged atmospheric stability.
While Portugal and much of western Europe will be under the influence of high pressure, the Eastern Mediterranean will face storms of rain and snow, caused by a cold depression. This climatic contrast highlights the meteorological diversity that marks this time of year on the continent.
Also read:
