More Than a Month's Worth of Rain in 24 Hours and Strong Winds: Storm Charles to Hit Portugal and Spain

Storm Charles is set to bring another spell of disruptive weather to Madeira, Portugal and Spain, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions over the coming days.

The Met Office has warned that some areas could receive more than a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours. The latest forecasts point to particularly difficult conditions across Madeira and parts of mainland Portugal, while Spain is already dealing with flooding concerns following days of unsettled weather.

Funchal, Madeira. Photo: Shutterstock

According to Portugal's weather service, IPMA, Madeira is expected to experience worsening conditions from Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. Rainfall could exceed 100 millimetres in 12 hours in some locations, particularly in mountainous areas. Wind gusts are forecast to reach between 80 and 100 km/h, rising to around 130 km/h in higher elevations. Waves along the island's southern coast could reach 3.5 to 4.5 metres.

The situation is also expected to deteriorate across mainland Portugal from late Wednesday morning. IPMA forecasts periods of heavy rain across much of the country, with wind gusts reaching 100 to 120 km/h and potentially higher in some locations. Waves of four to six metres are expected south of Cabo Carvoeiro.

The Portuguese government has taken precautionary measures ahead of the storm, ordering schools and non-essential public services to close on Wednesday. Emergency services and army units have been placed on alert, while authorities have urged residents to remain indoors whenever possible.

Interior Minister Luis Neves warned that the country could face an exceptionally difficult day, with rescue operations likely to be needed.

Spain's weather agency AEMET has warned that parts of Ávila and Cáceres could areceive more than 120 mm of rain in 12 hours. The Canary Island of La Palma is also forecast to face wind gusts exceeding 130 km/h.

The latest developments come as the Iberian Peninsula continues to deal with the effects of Storm Bruna, which has brought heavy rain and flooding to several areas since Sunday. IPMA has stressed that Charles and Bruna are separate weather systems.

Travelers heading to Madeira, Portugal or Spain should monitor local weather warnings and check with airlines and transport operators for possi