inp.polri.go.id – Portugal has recorded the hottest temperatures and the worst drought in 92 years or since 1931. The Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA) in its latest monthly climate bulletin said the country's highest daily average temperature was 25.87 degrees Celsius. "It was the highest temperature since 1931 or the hottest May in 92 years," they said. They say due to these conditions, a severe drought is now affecting large parts of the country. This is because the rainfall in May was only 13% of the average that occurred in May between 1971 and 2000. "As a result of these conditions, a severe drought affected 97% of Portugal's territory," they said. Scientists say repeated droughts are a sign of climate change. They stated it would become more frequent, longer and more intense in the future. "The rainfall deficit we have observed is in line with the trend of the last 20 years, characterized by more frequent dry periods due to climate change," said IPMA climatologist Vanda Pires. Pires added that from Friday, Portugal is expected to experience a sharp increase in temperature that could reach 40 degrees Celsius.