Portugal is suffering from severe, extreme drought conditions due to intense heat in October. It was the first time on record that the drought has been extended into this time of year. There is usually rainfall by then which helps relieve the immense temperature. Last month was the hottest October in 87 years and driest in 20 years. Half of the country’s reservoirs are 40% below their capacity. These conditions along with strong winds aided the spread of deadly wildfires, killing more than 100 people and 215,000 hectares of land. At one point during these fires, Portugal had to ask the EU for help. The low rainfall and high temperatures have reduced the soil water content hurting the farmers. However, they have been promised assistance from the state and Reservoir Management Commission. A study predicted that Portugal is subjected to megadroughts that can last for many years. Portugal’s average temperatures have been increasing at a rate of 0.5 degrees every decade for the past 40 years. Climate change has extended Portugal’s wildfire season from two to five months.

While it has started raining in Portugal, the amount of water coming down will not be sufficient to end the current drought. It is predicted they’ll have below average rainfall. The environmental minister of Portugal is encouraging people to use their water carefully. Some towns have closed the municipal swimming pools until water levels return to satisfactory levels. The government’s main priority is ensuring there will be enough water for human consumption. They believe that watering gardens, filling swimming pools and public fountains should be the last of their concerns. To reduce water consumption, one town decided that green spaces were going to be watered twice a week and for no more than seven minutes. They also want to prevent public water leaks which would rely on citizens to inform the water department when they see one.

“Portugal’s Prolonged Drought Worsens After Dry, Hot October.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 2 Nov. 2017, www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/02/world/europe/ap-eu-portugal-drought.html.

“’Miracle’ Needed to End Drought.” The Portugal News, theportugalnews.com/news/miracle-needed-to-end-drought/43713.

“Drought Stops Town Watering Gardens.” The Portugal News, www.theportugalnews.com/news/drought-stops-town-watering-gardens/43468.