According to the Lisbon Astronomical Observatory, Winter starts today at 21:48.

“Winter starts this Wednesday, December 21, with forecasts of a lot of cloudiness, some periods of light rain or drizzle, and maximum temperatures between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius”, said meteorologist Maria João Frada.

“Both the minimum and the maximum temperatures are high. They are above average for the time of year. This is compatible with the arrival of maritime tropical masses from the Atlantic, which have brought precipitation and above-average temperatures”, said the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) meteorologist.

According to Maria João Frada, the maximum temperatures will be lower in the country’s interior North and Centre regions, between 13 and 15 degrees, with minimums between 12 and 15 degrees. Temperatures will be even lower in the northeastern Trás-os-Montes and Beira Alta regions, varying between 9 and 11 degrees.

“This scenario will continue in the coming days. Temperatures should remain in this order of magnitude over the Christmas weekend without major changes. There may be a slight decrease, but not significant”, she indicated.

The meteorologist said that a cold front will approach from Friday morning, bringing rain to the Minho and Douro Litoral, extending to all regions in the North and Centre of Portugal.

“Then on Saturday and Sunday, especially towards the end of Saturday, there may be precipitation that can be temporarily intense.” However, there is still some uncertainty, “it is a scenario yet to be confirmed, but it could lead to the IPMA issuing warnings,” she cautioned, due to a depression that will move from north to south in the Atlantic.

“So we will have cloudiness, some light precipitation until the morning of the 23rd [Friday], which in the southern region will be infrequent.

According to the Lisbon Astronomical Observatory, Winter starts today at 21:48 (Lisbon time).