The last time it was this cold in March was on the 11th of March 1972, when average temperatures dropped to 7.7 degrees, says Madeiran delegate of the Portuguese Institute of Atmosphere and Sea (IPMA), Vitor Prior. The only other recording of unseasonal low temperatures (7.4 degrees) was on the 14th of February 1981.
According to Victor Prior, the minimum temperature recorded was 9.8 degrees in Funchal and 7 degrees in Porto Santo. The only place where temperatures were above 10 degrees was Porto Moniz, whose overnight temperatures dropped to 11.4 degrees.
However, in the mountainous regions temperatures dropped to -3.2 in Pico do Areeiro and -1.9 in Bica da Cana and Chão do Areeiro.
Recorded wind speeds are also above average. According to Victor Prior, the maximum gust was recorded in Caniçal (161km/h), with gusts of 128km/h in São Jorge, 102km/h in Porto Santo, 95km/h at Madeira Airport and 55km/h in Funchal.
As for precipitation levels, this morning there was no place where it had not rained, with the highest values recorded in the mountainous regions ranging between 20 and 40 millimeters, and in Funchal 15.2 mm per m².
Victor Prior also adds that there is a forecast of snowfall until the end of the day, with an improvement in weather conditions expected as of tomorrow.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
