Heatwave causes sixteen deaths in the Valencian Community in just one week

Extreme temperatures continue to take their toll across the Valencian Community. According to estimates from the mortality monitoring system of the Carlos III Health Institute, the heat has caused sixteen deaths in the region during the first seven days of July, with four of those fatalities recorded on Tuesday alone.

This situation coincides with one of the most intense heatwaves in recent years, with numerous Valencian municipalities exceeding 42 and 43 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days.

Four fatalities in a single day

Data from the Daily Mortality Monitoring System (MoMo) show that high temperatures continue to have a significant impact on the health of the most vulnerable population.

Of the sixteen deaths attributed to the heat during the first week of July, nine were men and seven were women. Furthermore, fifteen of the victims were over the age of 65, confirming that older people remain the group most exposed during these types of extreme episodes.

Valencia concentrates most of the deaths

By province, the distribution of the fatalities is as follows:

• Province of Valencia: 7 deaths.
• Province of Alicante: 6 deaths.
• Province of Castellón: 3 deaths.

The province of Valencia concentrates the effects of the current heatwave in particular, with regions such as La Ribera, La Costera and La Safor recording some of the highest temperatures in the whole of Europe over recent days.

June was already the deadliest month on record

The figures for July arrive after an especially harsh month of June.

During June 2026, a total of 62 people died in the Valencian Community from causes related to high temperatures, particularly during the latter part of the month, coinciding with the first major heatwave of the summer.

According to estimates from the MoMo system, this has been the June with the highest heat-associated mortality since records began, comfortably exceeding data from previous years.

Historic temperatures in the Valencian Community

The current heatwave has left exceptional records in numerous Valencian municipalities.

Among the most notable temperatures from recent days are:

• 45.5 ºC in La Pobla Llarga
• 44.8 ºC in Càrcer
• 44.8 ºC in Sumacàrcer
• 43.9 ºC in Canals
• 43.7 ºC in Xàtiva

In some towns within La Ribera and La Costera, consecutive days exceeding 43 degrees Celsius have been chained together, a situation that is extraordinarily uncommon even in the warmest areas of the Valencian Community.

Extreme heat affects older people and chronic patients in particular

Experts remind the public that extreme temperatures can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory and renal pathologies, as well as increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration.

The most vulnerable groups are:

• People over the age of 65.
• Very young children.
• People with chronic illnesses.
• Outdoor workers.
• People living alone or with reduced mobility.

The recommendations remain the same

Health authorities insist on several basic measures to reduce risk:

• Avoid going out during the central hours of the day.
• Maintain constant hydration even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Remain in cool or air-conditioned places.
• Avoid intense physical exertion.
• Keep a close eye on older and dependent people.

Although forecasts point to a slight drop in temperature from tomorrow, Friday 10th July, experts warn that the episode of extreme heat has not yet finished completely.