This weekend is expected to be marked by high temperatures in Portugal, yet it is not the only place feeling the heat: in neighboring Spain, rising temperatures are prompting changes in work schedules.
A measure enacted by the Spanish government in 2023 mandates that when the National Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issues an orange or red alert due to elevated temperatures, companies are required to adjust their employees’ working conditions.
Among the possible changes are the reduction of working hours if necessary, or even a complete suspension, as reported by RTVE. Companies are also allowed to alter shifts or forbid certain outdoor tasks.
According to the media outlet, experts emphasize that as temperatures rise and heatwaves become longer and more intense due to climate change, expanding such measures will be crucial for public protection.
The publication is attempting to contact the Portuguese Ministry of Labor, Solidarity, and Social Security to explore whether similar measures could be considered for Portugal, given the government’s intent to implement a comprehensive reform of labor laws.
Over 1,000 Deaths in Spain Attributed to July Heatwave
The heatwave in Spain is believed to have caused over 1,000 deaths in July, according to the Spanish Ministry of Health, which noted that this figure marks an increase of more than 50% compared to the same period in 2024.
The precise count of 1,060 deaths represents “57% more than last year,” stated the ministry via social media, based on estimates from a system known as “Momo” (Monitoring Mortality).
This tool, managed by the Carlos III Institute, logs daily death counts in Spain and compares them with expected mortality based on historical data.
It then factors in external influences that could account for the discrepancy, notably the high temperatures reported by the National Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
While the system cannot definitively establish causality between the recorded deaths and meteorological conditions, it provides the best estimate of mortality related to the heat.
In July 2024, the number of deaths potentially attributed to extreme heat by these criteria was 674. This figure rose to 1,271 in the subsequent month.
“The Ministry of Health is conducting campaigns on heatwaves and the importance of protection (…) as we consider it one of the risk factors with the greatest impact on mortality in this context,” said Health Minister Monica García in an interview broadcast by national radio (RNE) on Tuesday.
According to the “Momo” system, a total of 1,180 deaths from May 16 to July 13 can be attributed to the heat, a dramatic rise compared to 2024, when the death toll was 70, the Ministry of Health noted in a press release.
This year, Spain recorded the hottest June on record, with an average temperature of 23.7°C, as per Aemet findings.
Spain, like Portugal, has been under the effects of a second heatwave since Sunday, expected to persist at least until next weekend, Aemet reported.
Experts attribute the increasing frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves to global warming.
