Almost all of Portugal in severe drought after hot, dry May

 

FILE - A man walks on a floating swimming pool resting on dry ground of the water depleted Zezere River due to drought near, Pampilhosa da Serra in central Portugal, Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Sergio Azenha, File)

According to the country's weather agency, nearly the entire country of Portugal was in severe drought towards the end of May.

 

According to the weather authority IPMA's monthly climate report, May was the hottest month in the southern European country in 92 years.

 

It reported the average temperature was more than 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than usual, at little over 19 C (66 F).

 

At the same time, May rainfall averaged just under 9 millimeters (0.35 inches), which was only 13% of what would be predicted.

 

Because of this, 97 percent of the country is under "severe drought," which is one level below the meteorological service's worst rating of "extreme drought."

 

Climate scientists say Portugal can expect higher temperatures and lower rainfall as a consequence of global warming.