Abnormal rainfall: 143% above average rate recorded
Portugal Experiences Warm April
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has reported that April 2023 was the 10th warmest April since 2000, with an average temperature of 14.76°C, 0.78°C above the norm (1991-2020). While the month recorded a below-average maximum temperature, the minimum was above normal, making it the fifth highest since 2000.
The month's rainfall was above average as well, with a total precipitation that corresponded to 143% of the average value. April 2023 was also the 7th rainiest April since 2000. Notably, Portugal ended the month without any meteorological drought classes, according to the IPMA bulletin.
Extreme weather events included a minimum temperature of -1.2°C in Penhas Douradas on the 16th, a max temperature of 31.4°C in Dunas de Mira on the 9th, and a high of 31.4°C in Alcaçer do Sal on the 24th. The greatest amount of precipitation, 73.2 millimetres, was recorded in Lamas de Mouro on the 19th.
Climate change appears to be influencing warmer spring months in Portugal, with the top 10 warmest Aprils since 2000 generally reflecting this trend. Recent years, including April 2017, 2011, 2019, and 2018, have consistently ranked among the warmest.
For precise and official data, interested readers can consult IPMA’s climate bulletins or annual reports, available on the organization's website. It is worth noting that the exact ranking and temperatures may vary slightly depending on region and dataset.
For detailed temperature records and rankings, visit the IPMA website at www.ipma.pt. The site offers monthly and annual climate reports, providing comprehensive information on temperature anomalies and ranking.
The warm April weather in Portugal, as reported by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), could be linked to climate change influencing warmer spring months, as evidenced by the inclusion of April 2023 among the top 10 warmest Aprils since 2000. In the realm of environmental science, this warming trend is a potential indicator of broader climate-change effects.
