Continental Portugal saw 69 excess deaths during a heatwave alert period that began on June 28, primarily affecting those aged 85 and older, according to preliminary data from the Directorate-General of Health. “During the heat alert period starting June 28, 2025, there was an observed excess mortality, with 69 excess deaths in mainland Portugal,” stated the Directorate-General of Health (DGS).
As per the Ícaro index, which estimates the impact of air temperatures on mortality, as of July 2, 2025, health authorities warned that a significant impact of heat on mortality is likely to continue over the next three days, potentially leading to a higher revision of excess mortality figures. The DGS emphasized that extreme heat is known to negatively impact health, causing issues such as dehydration and exacerbating chronic diseases.
In anticipation of the predicted heatwave, the Directorate-General of Health, based on the latest information from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and other partners, issued several heat protection recommendations to the public on June 25, 2025, across various platforms.
The DGS indicated that it will maintain regular monitoring of the situation, updating information as necessary. Approximately a third of the meteorological stations in mainland Portugal surpassed or matched their previous highest maximum temperatures for June over the weekend, according to IPMA.
On Sunday, a new absolute extreme for June was set in Mora, Évora, with the meteorological station recording 46.6 degrees Celsius (°C). Among the 31 stations out of 90 where maximums were reached or exceeded were Alvega at 46°C, surpassing the previous 45.4°C; followed by Alvalade, Coruche, Tomar, Pegões, Avis, Mértola, Santarém, Amareleja, Reguengos, Beja, Proença a Nova, Zebreira, Alcoutim, Estremoz, Nelas, Chaves, Cabeceira de Bastos, Moimenta da Beira, Arouca, Cabril, Zambujeira, Vila Real, Viseu, Pampilhosa da Serra, Vinhais, Lamas de Mouro, Foía, and Montalegre, reaching 34.4°C, with the previous maximum being 34°C on June 20, 2003.
In Portalegre, the previous highest minimum air temperature in June was also surpassed on Sunday, reaching 31.5°C. IPMA data showed that on the same day, around 82% of meteorological stations recorded maximum air temperatures above 35°C, and about 37% had maximum air temperatures above 40°C.
June 29 was the hottest day of the month, with an average maximum temperature of 38.5°C (a deviation of +11.8°C from the monthly average) and an average minimum temperature of 28.7°C (a deviation of +8.4°C from the monthly average).
