Weather and Safety: What to Expect Today
A yellow warning for rain and thunderstorms is in effect for the entire island. Be prepared for showers, which may be more intense in the mountains and on the north coast.
- Who is affected: Anyone planning outdoor activities, and especially drivers in mountainous areas.
- What this means in practice: Risk of slippery roads, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing trail conditions.
- Our recommendation: Have an indoor ‘Plan B’ ready. It’s an ideal day to visit the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, the CR7 Museum, or enjoy a Madeira wine tasting at Blandy’s Wine Lodge. Be extremely cautious when driving.
Hiking Trail Status: Key Closures and Recommendations
The unstable weather has forced the closure of several popular hiking trails. If you are planning a hike, please pay close attention to the following update:
- PR1 Vereda do Areeiro: PARTIALLY OPEN. The trail is only accessible from Pico do Areeiro to the Miradouro da Pedra Rija viewpoint. The path onward toward Pico Ruivo is closed.
- PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada: CLOSED.
- PR10 Levada do Furado: CLOSED due to a landslide.
While the PR1.1 Vereda da Ilha and PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo trails are reported as open, we do not recommend high-altitude hikes today due to the risk of thunderstorms.
What Are the Outdoor Alternatives?
Consider safer, lower-altitude routes, such as Levada dos Balcões (PR11) or the coastal walk from Caniçal to Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), where the risk of thunderstorms is lower. However, always check the local forecast beforehand.
Island Update: Transport and Events
Road Closures for Races in Ponta do Sol
The Rampa da Ponta do Sol motor race is taking place in the Ponta do Sol area. If you are driving in this region, expect possible closures of secondary roads and detours.
Airport and Funchal Update
Operations at Cristiano Ronaldo Airport are currently running without major disruptions. Nevertheless, we recommend monitoring your flight status online, as the situation can change quickly due to the weather. Funchal city center may be busier today due to International Women’s Day celebrations, which could mean fuller restaurants. If you’re planning dinner, we recommend making a reservation.