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From the rainiest winter in 30 years to drought in five months
After an exceptionally wet period between October 2025 and February 2026, Portugal entered a meteorological drought by July, with 100% of the territory affected by varying levels of drought intensity. Reservoir levels, which were at 92% capacity in May, dropped to 72% by the end of September, currently shielding the country from a hydrological drought.
Why it mattersWhile the country has enough water in reservoirs for now, the rapid transition to widespread meteorological drought suggests potential risks for agriculture and future water management if the trend of low rainfall and high temperatures continues.
