Taggart001

We have a level rise of 2 meters at Castelo de Bode reservoir and still rising, so if this rain continues it looks like it will go back to the normal level.
The reservoir was very very low up until a month ago.

liveaboard

At the end of the winter rain period, optimally the reservoirs would be full.
Last year we also had a deficit, and the Santa Clara only reached 73%

At the end of the 2017 summer, it was down to 53%
Today, March 9 2018, when it should be nearly full, it's at 56%

The average yearly rainfall for my area is 500mm.
This winter, we've had about 220mm in total so far [my own measurements].
Much if that was light showers on dry ground, and the water simply evaporated out again over the following dry sunny week.

So while this rain is vitally important, it does not end the drought, not even close.
We would need a month or two of steady uninterrupted rain to saturate the ground, then fill the reservoirs and recharge the aquifers.
There is still ample underground water that will supply household use through the year. Agriculture will be hard hit, but you'll still be able to shower and flush without trouble.

The worry is longer term; if this becomes the new normal, southern Portugal will become desertified.

More likely it will rain normally next year [or the year after], and fill up the reservoirs and aquifers as usual.
Portugal is a country accustomed to irregular rainfall, and set up to get through periods of drought.

mfesharne

I've just driven down to Lake Cabril near Pedrogao Grande & even after all this rain the water level is waaay low & it looks like it'll need to rain like this for the next 6 months to fill it.

liveaboard

The Santa Clara is another percent up at today's reading; 57%
So really, it would only have to rain like this for another 43 days.

GeniB

According to the local paper a 'months' rain fell in two days in the Olhao /Faro area... How much of it was caught ? is another matter