Portugal heat wave kills over 200, mainly seniors, in early July

In the first week of July 2026, an extreme heat wave swept Portugal, with temperatures exceeding 43 °C in the Minho and Alentejo regions. The Portuguese Health Ministry reported 2,287 total deaths during that period, 264 above the historical average for the same weeks, and more than 90 % of the fatalities were people over 65 years old.

The wave is the sixth heat episode Portugal has experienced this year, together accounting for 59 days of extreme temperatures. In response, the General Directorate of Health issued specific guidance aimed at protecting seniors and individuals with chronic conditions, urging them to stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun and monitor health closely.

Health officials warned that the frequency of such heat waves poses a continuing threat to vulnerable populations across the country.