Scorching temperatures lead to an increase in fatalities, with 264 additional deaths reported
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A concerning rise in mortality rates among older age groups, particularly those aged 75 and over, is expected in Portugal's North region during heatwave periods, according to the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). This prediction comes as extreme heat events, often reaching or exceeding 40°C, pose a significant threat to public health.
The human body, especially in older adults, struggles to regulate temperature during such periods of sustained high temperatures, which are often well above seasonal norms. This difficulty in coping with heat stress significantly increases mortality rates.
Older individuals, due to their reduced physiological resilience to heat, are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of pre-existing chronic conditions. The North region of Portugal experiences these phenomena strongly during heat alerts, and given the forecasts by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), temperature spikes are expected to continue, further increasing the risk.
Recent years, notably 2025, have recorded extreme temperatures and multiple heatwaves, amplifying the stress on vulnerable populations and leading to excess deaths well above expected baselines for the time of year.
While not explicitly detailed in the search results, excess mortality during heatwaves often reflects the capacity of public health systems and social support to mitigate heat risks among the elderly. It is crucial for these services to be prepared and equipped to handle the anticipated rise in cases during heatwave periods.
In summary, the excess mortality reported by the DGS during heat alert periods is mainly driven by extreme heat exposure disproportionately impacting older adults, combined with regional climate patterns and heightened frequency of severe heat events as foreseen by meteorological agencies. It is a call for increased vigilance and preparedness among public health services and community support structures to protect the most vulnerable during these challenging times.
The science of environmental-science, specifically climate-change, plays a crucial role in understanding the occurrence and intensification of heatwaves that pose a significant threat to the elderly and public health in Portugal's North region. The weather patterns related to climate-change are predicted to continue, further amplifying the risks of heat-related illnesses and excess mortality during heatwave periods.
