A very hot summer on the way in Portugal
Better get ready for a blistering hot summer and maybe some environmental devastation.
On Thursday, officially the first day of summer, the weather in Portugal was cool and cloudy. A little earlier, there had even been some night-time rain.
On Friday, it was all back to normal with blue skies and plenty of sunshine.
Copernicus, the renowned European climate observation program, is forecasting a “hotter than ever” summer, which will bring with it risk factors.
It’s important to remember that even the most accurate forecasts can sometimes miss the mark. Last summer, for instance, Portugal was expected to face severe wildfires due to heatwaves, but the reality was quite different. 2023 turned out to be one of the least affected years in recent memory.
Southern Portugal normally has a very enjoyable Mediterranean climate similar to that of southern Spain. Sunshine for at least 10 hours a day is normal from May, rising to 12 hours a day in July. Portugal usually has more sunshine than California.
The Algarve normally has average simmer temperatures of 26C, often rising to 29C. Northern Portugal, including Porto, usually enjoys cooler temperatures. The capital, Lisbon, can also peak at 29C, but the central Alentejo region is hotter because it does not have the advantage of sea breezes.
It’s crucial to note that, as per the law, all land near residential areas in the Algarve should have been cleared of vegetation that could fuel wildfires. Failure to do so may result in heavy fines. This is a necessary step to ensure our safety during the summer.
So now we must wait and hope for the best of summer.
