Portugal recorded 284 excess deaths during a severe heatwave from June 28 to early July, according to preliminary data from the Directorate-General of Health. Over 70% of the fatalities were individuals aged 85 or older, while no rise in mortality was observed among those under 70.
Authorities linked the spike in deaths to extreme temperatures, with June 29 marking the hottest day, an average high of 38.5°C, 11.8°C above the monthly norm.
About one-third of the country’s 90 weather stations recorded record-breaking temperatures that weekend.
The health authority noted the death toll was in line with previous years, 715 deaths during a 2024 heatwave and 384 in 2023.
The Alentejo region remains at risk for further deaths, but forecasts suggest a reduced impact nationwide. Health officials issued public safety recommendations on June 25 and continue to monitor the situation in coordination with meteorological authorities.
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