Between October and March, the North Atlantic turns into a stage for intense meteorological phenomena. The storms that strike the Azores are among the most powerful in Europe, with winds that can exceed 150 km/h and waves over 15 metres high.
The Formation of Storms
Major Atlantic storms form when warm air masses from the tropics collide with cold air descending from the Arctic. This interaction creates highly intense extratropical cyclones that move across the Atlantic, often reaching the Azores before continuing on towards mainland Europe.
Preparation and Resilience
Over centuries, the Azoreans have developed a culture of resilience in the face of harsh weather. Traditional houses are built with thick basalt walls, resistant to strong winds. Fishermen know the signs of the sea and the sky like few others, understanding when it is safe to go out and when it is better to stay ashore.
The likelihood of fog increases in the afternoon.
