According to Victor Prior, the Madeiran delegate of the Portuguese Institute of Atmosphere and Sea (IPMA), a significant increase in maximum and minimum temperatures is expected from Friday, which are estimated to last until Monday the 11th of July.
During this time period, the maximum temperatures in Funchal will vary between 28 and 30 degrees, with lows between 20 and 22 degrees. Even so, there have been unconfirmed reports that temperatures have already reached 35 degrees in some areas.
The heat is expected to affect all areas of the island, including mountainous regions, and expected humidity levels will be very low. With this comes the increased risk of fire, however, wind forecasts are improving, but citizens are asked to careful at this time.
The sudden change in temperatures are due to a mass of warm air coming from North Africa, however, unlike the mainland, Madeira should not be affected by atmospheric dust.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
