Cape Verde Storm Alert: Severe Rain and 6-Meter Swells Forecast
The Cape Verde Institute of Meteorology (INMG) has issued a nationwide alert for the next 48 hours as a powerful atmospheric depression approaches the archipelago. The storm is expected to lash the islands with heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, and dangerous sea conditions.
Timeline of the Storm
According to meteorologists, the weather system will first strike the eastern islands of Boa Vista, Sal, and Maio on Thursday. The instability is projected to sweep across the entire archipelago by Friday, with the Barlavento (Northern) island chain expected to bear the brunt of the impact.
“Forecasts point to strong winds, at times with heavy gusts, rain of variable intensity accompanied by thunderstorms, and a significant worsening of sea conditions,” the institute stated in an official briefing.
High Winds and Dangerous Surf
Authorities are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution, particularly those in high-altitude areas where wind speeds could be significantly amplified. The maritime outlook is equally grim, with swells arriving from the east and southeast predicted to reach heights of up to six meters (20 feet) in some coastal areas.
A Vulnerable Archipelago
While Cape Verde is primarily an arid nation, it has become increasingly susceptible to sudden, devastating storms. The memory of recent tragedies looms large; in August 2025, Storm Erin claimed nine lives on the island of São Vicente, while flash floods in November resulted in a fatality on Santiago.
This surge in extreme weather aligns with global trends reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The UN agency noted that 2025 was among the hottest years on record, warning that rising ocean temperatures are fueling more intense storms and accelerating sea-level rise across the globe.
Residents are advised to monitor local news updates, secure loose property, and avoid maritime activities until the depression passes.
Image: Pexels – Jan van der Wolf
