The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) confirmed that the storm and hail that hit Albergaria-a-Velha were caused by a meteorological phenomenon known as downburst. This type of event is characterized by very intense downward air currents that, upon reaching the surface, spread horizontally causing violent wind gusts and intense precipitation.
The combination of several atmospheric factors favored the occurrence of thunderstorms and heavy showers in different areas of the North and Center of Portugal on the 5th. These adverse weather conditions resulted in significant accumulated precipitation and hail in several localities of these regions.
