Storm Charles Portugal Spain forecast, Digi Mart USA News (Portugal and Spain): Portugal is still under the influence of depression Bruna, but a new storm is already heading toward the Iberian Peninsula. A new depression, named Charles, is expected to bring further deterioration in the weather, with torrential rain and winds that could exceed 100 km/h.
According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), storm Charles is expected to worsen the weather in Madeira from late Tuesday and on the mainland on Wednesday, with orange-level warnings. In Spain, the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) says Wednesday will be the worst day, and Thursday will remain unstable but less intense.
The European (ECMWF) and American (GFS) weather models both show the depression’s initial track running between the north of the Canary Islands and the Madeira archipelago. The next part of its path remains uncertain, but the available data suggest the storm’s core could move toward the Iberian Peninsula via the Gulf of Cadiz or between Sines and Cabo Carvoeiro.
In Madeira, where Bruna caused widespread damage over the weekend, the worsening weather is expected between the end of the day on Tuesday, November 10, and the morning of Wednesday, November 11. Persistent and at times heavy rain is forecast, with accumulations of more than 100 mm in 12 hours in some areas, especially in mountain regions.
Winds are expected to blow from the southwest with gusts between 80 and 100 km/h, and could reach around 130 km/h on high ground. Southwesterly waves of 3.5 to 4.5 metres are forecast on the south coast of Madeira island.
On the mainland, the deterioration is expected from late Wednesday morning, with wind gusts of around 100 to 120 km/h, and locally higher, according to IPMA. Rain will at times be heavy over much of the country.
Along the coast, southwesterly waves of 4 to 6 metres are forecast south of Cabo Carvoeiro from Wednesday afternoon.
The Azores archipelago is not expected to be affected by the passage of depression Charles.
IPMA has announced that orange-level warnings will be issued, without ruling out an upgrade in some regions after the next forecast model updates. The orange warning, the second most serious on the scale, is issued whenever there is a “meteorological situation involving a moderate to high risk.”
Charles is the third named storm of the 2026/2027 season, after Adam, which remained over the Spanish Mediterranean, and the current Bruna. The new depression is a system of subtropical origin that formed at lower Atlantic latitudes, where tropical cyclones occur.
Storm Bruna, which will remain almost stationary northwest of the Iberian Peninsula until Friday, is a separate system from Charles.
In Madeira, storm Bruna caused flooding, left ten people homeless, and one person is still missing. Between Saturday and Sunday it also forced dozens of flights to be cancelled at Funchal airport.
Because storm Charles is approaching, Portugal’s Civil Protection (ANEPC) has urged the public to take extra precautions. The agency warns of risks along the coastline and advises people to avoid areas exposed to rough seas and to obey all banned or restricted access areas that are properly signposted.
ANEPC also urges people not to cross flooded areas on foot or by car, due to the risk of being swept away, particularly into potholes or uncovered manholes. Extra care is advised in wooded areas because of falling branches and trees, and people should stay away from run-down buildings, retaining walls and embankments where landslides may occur.
Recommended preparations include clearing rainwater drainage systems of leaves and other debris, and securing loose structures such as scaffolding, billboards and suspended structures, as well as outdoor objects, balcony and windowsill items such as flowerpots and garden furniture. ANEPC also recommends closing and reinforcing shutters and windows, especially those facing the wind.
On the roads, Civil Protection calls for defensive driving at reduced speed and with attention to possible standing water.
