Portugal is back facing yet another drought after a mild winter – and the problem is “extreme” in parts of the Algarve.
The warning came on June 3 from Fátima Espírito Santo, the head of the climate division at Portugal’s Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
“According to our meteorological drought index, 55% of the country is facing severe to extreme drought,” she told Lusa news agency.
The meteorologist revealed that the Sotavento (eastern Algarve) is the area affected by “extreme drought”.
The problem has been getting progressively worse since December, she said, as rainfall has been “much lower than expected”.
Forecasts for the next few weeks will not bring any joy, she added.
