Climate change news in Portugal

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) confirmed that the El Niño climate phenomenon has begun. Experts predict the warming of Pacific waters will remain strong and persist until early 2027, potentially impacting global weather patterns.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that June 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in Western Europe. Experts noted that extreme temperatures on land and at sea are evidence of accelerating climate change, with Europe warming twice as fast as the global average.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that Europe has recorded over 1,300 excess deaths linked to extreme heat since June 21. The WHO warns that the continent is warming twice as fast as the global average, with homes and workplaces often ill-equipped to handle the rising temperatures.

From the extreme spring rain to the devastating summer wildfires, Portugal emerges as one of the examples of climate instability on the continent that is warming faster than the rest of the world.

A new report from the Lancet Countdown Europe warns of significant public health risks in Portugal due to climate change, including a sharp increase in mortality linked to extreme heat. Data indicates that heat-related alerts in Europe have risen by 318% over the last decade, with the report calling for urgent adaptive policies to protect the population. Experts like Luís Campos have emphasized the need for immediate government action to address these environmental threats.

The government will launch a technical, economic and regulatory study to adapt the National Electric System (Sistema Eléctrico Nacional) to climate change, including assessing burying overhead lines in critical areas, officials announced. The move follows storm damage and prolonged outages in some regions and aims to identify resilience measures and regulatory changes needed for investment and operations. The study could lead to long-term works and changes to maintenance priorities; residents in storm-hit areas should watch for local works and timelines. Those following energy policy should note how regulators and operators may change planning and permitting rules.

Update: Around 7,600 customers still without power

E-Redes reported that as of 08:00 about 7,600 customers in areas hit by Storm Kristin remain without electricity. The company says it is focused on restoring supply and continues to issue warnings for affected zones.