The Algarve is known for its endless sunshine with 300 days of the lovely stuff each year. In the last few weeks we have experienced an unexpected weather shift. It always changes in the latter part of October, but this year the first half of the month was marked by unusually high temperatures, leaving locals wondering when the endless summer would come to a halt!
Finally, temperatures have dropped and over the weekend rain arrived, providing much-needed relief to our sun-soaked region. We hadn't seen rain since May, and that had taken its toll - picture dry soil and rivers, and withering landscapes which were crying out for moisture. Thankfully, the Algarve's skies darkened, and the rain began to fall, revitalizing the parched land.
The rain also brought a much-needed reprieve to the region's water supply. A recent conference in the Algarve discussed the possibility of piping water from the Alentejo's Alqueva dam to create a north-south water highway. This proposal is seen as a logical step, especially considering dams in the north often release water due to capacity issues. Unbelievable to think about that when we are constantly trying to save water in our region.
The forecast for this week is a lot drier, but the hope is that in the months to come, the Algarve will reap the benefits of the rain, while exploring innovative solutions for its water supply challenges.Whatever lies ahead, as the land soaks up the rain, the Algarve's ever-changing beauty continues to captivate us. You know what they say...if you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain!
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