Summary:
December marked as the driest month on record in Portugal.
Rainfall only reached 12% of average levels.
Braga recorded the highest rainfall at 65.5 mm, while Portimão had only 1.7 mm.
Over 55% of mainland Portugal is experiencing weak to moderate drought.
Water reserves in reservoirs are currently at 71% capacity, a decline from last year's 74%.
December's Historic Drought
December has been marked as the driest month on record for Portugal, with rainfall measuring a mere 12% of the average for this time period based on historical data from 1981 to 2010. According to the Portuguese Weather Agency (APA), the region of Braga received the highest rainfall at 65.5 millimeters, which still falls significantly below average, while Portimão in the Faro district recorded the least with only 1.7 millimeters.
Credits: Lusa;
The total precipitation since October 1st, 2024, stands at 231.7 millimeters, equating to just 64% of the normal value for this period. The southern regions, particularly the Alentejo and western Algarve, have experienced worsening meteorological drought, with 55% of the mainland currently classified as experiencing a weak to moderate drought.
Water Reserves and Drought Conditions
The APA indicates that water reserves in reservoirs are at 71% capacity, a slight drop from 74% during the same period last year. The Sado river basins are particularly concerning, with Monte da Rocha at 11% and Campilhas at 20% capacity, indicating a critical state.
In the Algarve, where drought effects are most pronounced, the six main reservoirs are currently holding 151 cubic hectometers, which is about 34% of total capacity but reflects an increase of 39 cubic hectometers compared to last year. Despite this improvement, some areas remain in extreme hydrological drought conditions, with the situation still precarious if rain does not arrive soon.
Summary of Key Data
- December rainfall: only 12% of average
- Braga received the most rain: 65.5 mm
- Portimão received the least: 1.7 mm
- 231.7 mm total precipitation since October 1, 2024
- 55% of the mainland in weak to moderate drought
- 71% capacity in reservoirs, down from 74% last year
- Critical state in Sado river basins
- Algarve reservoirs: 34% of total capacity, but increased from last year
This alarming trend of decreasing rainfall in December has been consistent over the past decade, with the exception of 2022, raising concerns about the ongoing impacts of climate change in Portugal.
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