ONE YEAR after Lisbon saw its first snowfall for more than 50 years the heavens opened again last weekend, much to the delight of many and the chagrin of others.
Snow fell in the capital, but the areas affected most were towns on higher ground. Despite the temperature being above freezing, Sintra, Mafra, Loures and Vila Franca de Xira saw the rain turn to snow as the cold front held strong in the Lisbon area. As temperatures rose on Monday, the snow turned to slush and children’s hopes of a day off from school were dashed!
Many believe that the weather is a direct effect of the rise in pollution. Carbon emissions from vehicles and factories have had a significant influence not only on the environment, but also weather patterns. Weather anomalies, such as the snowfall last week, are expected to become more frequent as a result.
The national Meteorological Institute said that over the past few years, temperatures in winter have been below average and, in summer, temperatures have been higher than usual, meaning that Portugal has been experiencing extremes of temperatures, a trend that is likely to continue.
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