At the end of November, storage levels per basin were higher than the average storage levels for November (1990/91 to 2024/25), except for the Ave, Mira, and Algarve river basins.
Of the 60 monitored reservoirs, 19 had water availability exceeding 80% of their total volume and four had less than 40%.
The Oeste and Douro basins had the highest water volumes, with 90.8% and 81.7% respectively, followed by the Tagus (80.4%), Guadiana (80%), Cávado (78.6%), Mondego (76.5%), Arade (74%), and Lima (71.9%) basins.
At the end of November, the Barlavento basin had the lowest water volume at 45.8%, compared to 44.4% in October. This is the basin that has consistently had the lowest water levels, having experienced years with critical levels.
The Sado (51.5%), Mira (53.7%), and Ave (56.7%) basins followed with the least water retention.
Each river basin may contain more than one reservoir.
Wet November
According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), last month was the third wettest November in mainland Portugal since 2000 and the 13th wettest since 1931.
According to the most recent monthly climatological bulletin from IPMA, which is based on a preliminary analysis of available data, November “was very rainy,” with total precipitation being “well above normal,” corresponding to “about 180% of the average value” in the reference period of 1991-2020.
Fifteen new extremes of the highest precipitation value for November were recorded, five of which correspond to absolute extremes (verified at the meteorological stations of Coimbra/Bencanta, Barreiro/Lavradio, Figueira da Foz, Leiria and Alcobaça).
IPMA highlights Storm Claudia, characterised by heavy and prolonged rain, hail, frequent and intense thunderstorms, and strong winds, which caused three deaths, several injuries, and displaced people, as well as the Albufeira tornado, in which “the value of the associated instantaneous maximum wind” was estimated at 220 kilometres per hour.