Heat waves

Portugal experiences increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. Temperatures above 40°C are common in the interior and can be fatal, especially for the elderly and young children.

Heat kills silently

In 2023, Portugal recorded over 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat. The elderly are the most vulnerable group. Many die alone at home without air conditioning. A heat wave is a public health emergency. Check IPMA alerts for temperature warnings.

At-risk groups

Very high risk

  • Elderly (over 65): reduced thermoregulation, diminished sense of thirst
  • Babies and young children (under 5): dehydrate rapidly
  • Chronic illness: cardiovascular, renal, diabetes, respiratory conditions
  • Bedridden individuals: unable to seek cooler environments

High risk

  • Outdoor workers: construction, agriculture, waste collection
  • People exercising outdoors
  • Obese individuals: greater difficulty dissipating heat
  • Homeless people: no access to shelter or water

Check on your neighbours

  • Visit elderly people living alone at least twice a day
  • Make sure they drink water regularly
  • Take them to cool spaces if they do not have air conditioning
  • Check their medication, it may need adjusting (see guide)

Heat stroke vs Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion

Severity: Moderate, needs attention

  • Heavy sweating
  • Cool, clammy skin
  • Weakness, dizziness, nausea
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps
  • Rapid but weak pulse

What to do

  • Move the person to a cool, shaded place
  • Lie them down with legs elevated
  • Give cool water in small sips (not ice-cold)
  • Apply damp cloths to forehead, back of neck, and wrists
  • If no improvement within 30 minutes, call 112

Heat stroke

Severity: MEDICAL EMERGENCY, can be fatal

  • Body temperature above 40°C
  • Hot, red, and DRY skin (no sweating)
  • Confusion, delirium
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Rapid and strong pulse

CALL 112 IMMEDIATELY

  • Cool URGENTLY: cold water on the body, ice packs on armpits, groin, and back of neck
  • Move to shade, remove clothing
  • DO NOT give water if the person is unconscious
  • Place in the recovery position if unconscious
  • Continue cooling until INEM (emergency medical service) arrives

How to protect yourself

Hydration

  • Drink 2-3 litres of water per day even if you are not thirsty
  • Avoid alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks (they dehydrate)
  • Eat water-rich fruit: watermelon, melon, oranges, cucumber
  • Cold soups (gazpacho) and salads
  • Avoid heavy, hot meals
  • Children and elderly: offer water every 20-30 minutes

Behaviour

  • Avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 17:00
  • Lightweight, light-coloured, loose clothing (cotton or linen)
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply every 2 hours)
  • Cool baths or showers (not ice-cold)
  • Exercise: only early morning or late evening
  • NEVER leave children or animals in a car

Protecting your home

  • Close shutters and blinds on the sunny side
  • Ventilate at night and early morning (open windows)
  • Close windows in the morning as the temperature rises
  • Hang damp cloths in front of fans
  • If you do not have AC: spend the hottest hours in an air-conditioned public space (shopping centre, library)
  • Plants outside south-facing windows provide natural shade

Pets

  • Fresh water always available and in the shade
  • NEVER walk dogs on hot tarmac (test: if you cannot hold your hand on the ground for 5 seconds, it is too hot for their paws)
  • Walks only early morning or in the evening
  • Signs of heat stroke in dogs: excessive panting, thick drool, disorientation
  • Cats: ensure access to cool rooms
  • See the full guide for pets

Medications affected by heat

Medication caution during heat waves

Some medications are affected by heat or alter the body's response to heat. Consult your doctor before changing any medication.

  • Diuretics: increase water loss, higher risk of dehydration
  • Beta-blockers: reduce the heart's ability to adapt to heat
  • Antihistamines: can reduce sweating
  • Antidepressants: some affect thermoregulation
  • Insulin: degraded by heat. Store in a cool place (2-8°C), never in the car
  • Storage: most medications should be kept below 25°C. If your home exceeds this, store them in a cooler spot (not in the fridge unless indicated)
  • See the medical kit guide for storage advice

Contacts

Emergency

  • 112, Emergency
  • E-REDES (power outages): 800 506 506
  • SNS 24 (health line): 808 24 24 24

Alerts

Support

  • Linha do Idoso (elderly helpline): 800 203 531
  • ANEPC (Civil Protection): 800 246 246
  • All contacts

Plan ahead

When IPMA (the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere) issues an orange or red heat alert, prepare the day before: buy extra water, check on elderly family members and neighbours, plan activities at cool locations. Extreme heat can last 5-10 days. Prepare for a prolonged period, not just a single day.