Based on meteorological information provided by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), the Civil Protection is issuing a warning due to the forecast of worsening atmospheric conditions as of today (24 December), with periods of rain being expected throughout the territory, sometimes strong on the north and central coast (districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Vila Real, Viseu, Aveiro and Coimbra) and maritime agitation on the west coast, with waves from the northwest between 4 and 5 metres high.

For Saturday, Christmas day, forecasts point to “periods of rain, sometimes heavy and persistent, especially in the central and southern regions, passing showers and decreasing in intensity and frequency during the afternoon”.

A strong wind from the south is also forecast, blowing up to 45 km/h on the coast and up to 50 km/h in the highlands, with gusts that can reach between 65 km/h and 80 km/h.

On Sunday there will be more intense rain in the afternoon and forecasts also point to “wind from the west, sometimes strong on the coast (up to 45 km/h, with gusts up to 65 km/h) and in the highlands (up to 55 km/h, with gusts up to 80 km/h).

The maritime agitation continues on the west coast, with waves from the northwest, between 4 and 5 metres in height during the night, in the districts of Setúbal, Beja and Faro.

"If there is an absolute need to travel to the coastline, you should maintain a vigilant attitude, bearing in mind that under these conditions the sea can easily reach apparently safe areas", they warned.