Heat: 264 more people died in Portugal last week

Continental Portugal recorded 264 excessive deaths in the heat alert period, started a week ago. It was 21.2% more than expected, especially over 75 and in the Northern Region – reveal data from DGS.

The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) warned, this Friday, to the MORTALITY ASSOCIATED WITH HOT TIME.

Portugal registered 264 Excessive deathsin the last week, due to the heat.

“Following the warm time warning that began on July 25, 2025, excessive mortality was detected, with 264 excessive deaths in mainland Portugal,” the Directorate-General of Health said on Friday in a statement.

According to estimates of the National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge (insa), these numbers correspond “to a relative excess” of another 21.2% compared to the expected, between July 26 and 30, 2025, especially in age group with 75 or older years and in the northern region of the country.

Temperatures continue to rise

According to the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), a sharp climb of temperatures Throughout continental territory in the coming days, with various regions of mainland Portugal, especially on the weekend.

Today, the Icarus index for mainland Portugal – calculated by INSA and estimates the impact of air temperatures on mortality – anticipates a very significant effect of temperature on mortality during the hot time period, particularly in the North, Centro and Alentejo regions.

The DGS warns that “very high air temperatures, such as those that have been verified in recent days (maxims and minimums), have a negative impact on health as a consequence of dehydration or decompensation of chronic diseasesamong other factors, especially among the elderly. ”

He points out that high air temperatures are usually associated with higher than expected mortality periods for the year (excess mortality).

DGS states that in recent days, communication with the population has intensified through various means and platforms, with the objective of clarifying and awareness of recommendations to adopt in periods of extreme temperatures.

“Notwithstanding all the efforts to mitigate the impact of heat on health, it is expected a period of excessive mortality in older age groups”, He points out.

The health authority reinforces the importance that the entire population, and especially the most vulnerable groups-such as people with chronic diseases, elderly people, children, pregnant women, individuals who carry out outdoor activities, homeless people or social isolation-adopt.