Brussels, Aug. 25, 2026 (Lusa) - The hot and dry conditions recorded in recent weeks are putting pressure on some summer crops in Portugal, particularly rain-fed maize and sunflowers, but yield forecasts remain unchanged, the European Commission said on Tuesday.
This is based on the latest report from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre on the system that monitors agricultural conditions and updates yield forecasts across the European Union (EU), which notes that, over the last two months, «hot and dry conditions have accelerated crop ageing» in Portugal, limiting biomass accumulation.
Nevertheless, «given the advanced stage of crop development, the impact of recent weather conditions on the final biomass yield is expected to be limited», meaning that, despite the heat and drought, most crops are already nearing the end of their cycle, thereby reducing the effect these conditions may still have on biomass accumulation.
Rainfed crops face a more difficult situation, according to this EU document, which states that, in Spain and Portugal, «hot and dry conditions persisted until mid-August».
The report warns that «rainfed sunflowers and maize are showing increasing signs of heat stress during the reproductive and grain-filling stages».
The forecast of rain and cooler temperatures for next week may, however, bring some relief, the document indicates.
For irrigated crops, the situation is more favourable, with «irrigated maize, potatoes and sugar beet» performing «well thanks to adequate availability of water for irrigation», despite «high irrigation requirements».
The sunflower harvest has already begun in Portugal, whilst the potato harvest is «nearing completion in the south» and continues to «make progress in the north», the report states.
Despite the pressure caused by the heat and the lack of rain, «yield forecasts for summer crops remain unchanged for Portugal», the report adds.
The situation in Portugal comes against a European backdrop marked by extreme weather conditions.
According to the European Commission, «the persistent heat and lack of rainfall over the last two months are affecting summer crops and fodder supplies across Western and Central Europe».
In several European regions, «well over 15 (locally more than 25) days of heat» were recorded, with daily maximum temperatures of 35°C or higher.
The report also notes that «water loss exceeded replenishment, intensifying the drought during the first half of August».
In Portugal, despite some localised episodes of rain, the weather remained hot and dry, whilst in «isolated areas», the passage of thunderstorm fronts caused «short-lived localised episodes of rainfall».
In this context, the European Commission highlights the role of the Common Agricultural Policy in supporting efficient irrigation, water-saving technologies, improved water resource management and the adoption of crops that are more resilient to climate change.
ANE/AYLS // AYLS
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