September 2026 was warmer and drier than average across Madeira, with all weather stations analysed recording temperatures above the 1991–2020 climatological normal and rainfall below it.
Figures released by the Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira (DREM), based on IPMA data, show that the largest temperature deviation was recorded at Chão do Areeiro. The average temperature there reached 17.1°C, which was 3.9°C above normal. Funchal’s Observatory recorded the highest monthly average, at 25.6°C.
The warm conditions reflected a wider pattern. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, September was the second warmest globally on record, while average temperatures in western Europe reached record levels for the month.
Madeira’s highest temperature was 34.3°C, recorded in Monte on the 25th of September. Prazeres registered six days with temperatures reaching at least 30°C.
The heat also persisted overnight. Six weather stations recorded tropical nights throughout the month, meaning minimum temperatures never fell below 20°C.
Rainfall was below average at every station with available data. Santo da Serra recorded the highest monthly total, at 36mm, while no rain was recorded in Lugar de Baixo.
Chão do Areeiro registered 32.2mm, which was 75.7mm below its September average, the largest rainfall shortfall among the stations analysed.
The highest daily rainfall total was 26.7mm, recorded in Monte on the 30th of September. No station registered 30mm or more in a single day. Santo da Serra had the most days with measurable rainfall, recording at least 0.1mm on 12 days.
At Santa Catarina/Airport, the average wind speed was 22.4km/h, with a maximum gust of 85.7km/h on the 12th of September. The station also recorded the highest monthly sunshine total, at 271.9 hours.
The average sea temperature at Funchal’s Pontinha breakwater was 23.9°C, ranging from 23°C on the 30th of September to 24.7°C on the 9th.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Views: 22
