Portugal sets July heat record as severe drought continues

Portugal recorded its hottest July on document final month, in keeping with the nation’s climate service.

The hovering temperatures worsened Portugal’s drought, with 45% of the mainland now classed as being in “excessive drought” - the best stage of classification - and the remainder of the mainland classed as being in “extreme” drought, which is the second-highest classification, by the top of July.

Many different components of western Europe additionally witnessed torrid situations within the early summer season, and scientists say local weather change will proceed to make climate extra excessive.

Southern Europe’s local weather is altering to resemble that of North Africa, in keeping with consultants.

The Portuguese climate service, identified by its acronym IPMA, mentioned July was the most well liked since nationwide data started in 1931.

The typical temperature was 25.14°C which is sort of three levels Celsius greater than the anticipated July common.

In July there was solely 3mm of rainfall in mainland Portugal, round 22% of regular, in keeping with IMPA.