Portugal heatwaves claim 123 lives, with 237 excess deaths recorded in latest spike
Two heatwaves since June have caused at least 123 deaths in Portugal, while the latest wave alone pushed excess mortality to 237, health authorities report.
Heatwave impact
Two heatwaves since early June have caused at least 123 deaths, according to Director-General of Health Rita Sá Machado. The first wave, peaking on 16 June, resulted in around 60 deaths, while the second wave has claimed 63 lives as of 6 July. The mortality surveillance system recorded 237 excess deaths during the latest heatwave from 4 to 7 July, with a peak of 88 excess deaths on 6 July. All excess deaths were among people over 75.
We still have to wait about 15 days to fully monitor and understand this phenomenon.
Response and prevention
The death toll remained below initial projections by the National Health Institute (INSA), which authorities attribute to reinforced prevention efforts. Municipalities, civil protection, and health services opened temporary shelters for vulnerable people and ran awareness campaigns. Health Minister Ana Paula Martins cautioned that the heatwave had not yet ended and it would take weeks to link temperatures to mortality.
The heatwave has not ended yet.
Ongoing risk
With forecasts predicting further high temperatures through October, the Directorate-General of Health will keep its recommendations active. The European mortality monitoring platform Euromomo is also tracking the situation. Emergency services and the SNS24 health line saw high demand, but hospital pressure remained manageable.
- 4 July
- 50 deaths
- 5 July
- 60 deaths
- 6 July
- 88 deaths
- 7 July
- 38 deaths
- First heatwave begins
- Peak of first wave, ~60 deaths confirmed
- Second heatwave begins
- First day of excess mortality (50 excess deaths)
- Peak excess mortality (88 deaths)
- Excess mortality declines to 38 deaths
