Storm Therese Affects All of Madeira
The weather in Madeira is currently being significantly impacted by the low-pressure system, Storm Therese. According to the meteorological institute IPMA, its effects – strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a rough ocean – will persist until at least Monday, March 23rd. Emergency services have already responded to dozens of incidents, primarily in the Funchal, Santa Cruz, and Câmara de Lobos areas, involving fallen trees and localized landslides.
- Who is affected: All visitors to the island.
- What this means in practice: Increased risk when outdoors, especially in forests and on mountain roads.
- Our recommendation: Consider changing your plans for today and opt for indoor activities. For example, visit the Mercado dos Lavradores market, the CR7 Museum in Funchal, or go for a Madeira wine tasting.
Current Status of Hiking Trails and Levadas
Due to adverse conditions and landslides, the Forestry Service (IFCN) has temporarily closed a large number of popular trails. Safety is the absolute priority, so please respect all restrictions.
Closed and Restricted Trails
- Completely closed: PR 10 Levada do Furado, PR 18 Levada do Rei, PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada, PR 7 Levada do Moinho, PR 16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues, and PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal.
- Partially open: The famous PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro ridge trail is only accessible up to the Ninho da Manta / Pedra Rija viewpoint. The crossing to Pico Ruivo is not possible.
Good News from Rabaçal
Following repairs, the popular PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes trail has been fully reopened. A new one-way section has been introduced for smoother and safer passage.
Reminder: Trail Fees and Reservations for 2026
We remind you that starting from the beginning of 2026, online registration and payment of a fee are mandatory for access to most recommended hiking trails (PR). Arrange your entry in advance through the official IFCN portal and have the confirmation ready on your phone for potential checks.
Warnings for Mountains and Coastline
Extremely Dangerous Ocean
All activities on or near the sea are currently ruled out. Waves on the north coast are reaching heights of 5 to 6 meters, and around 4.5 meters in the south. Do not enter piers, coastal promenades, or natural swimming pools. Whale and dolphin watching boat trips are most likely cancelled.
Snow and Frost on the Peaks
At altitudes above 1200 meters, including the Pico do Areeiro area, snowfall and temperatures down to 4°C are expected. Visibility may be zero, and roads may be icy. We strongly advise postponing trips to the highest parts of the island.
Transportation: Airport and Ferries
Strong wind gusts may complicate air traffic at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. If you are flying this weekend, monitor your flight status closely.
Problems are also expected in maritime transport. If you are planning a trip to the neighboring island of Porto Santo, check with Porto Santo Line to confirm if your ferry will depart. On Porto Santo itself, despite the bad weather, preparations are underway for the major padel tournament ‘Março Azul,’ which starts tomorrow.