In 2025, the state of São Paulo recorded a 27% increase in outpatient visits for heatstroke and other health problems caused by the effects of heat.
According to the State Department of Health, between January and October this year, 1,052 consultations were carried out, compared to 827 during the same period in 2024.
The secretariat highlighted that certain groups require greater attention, such as people over 60 years old, children under 4 years old and people with intellectual disabilities. These groups are at greater risk of dehydration and hypertension.
Although the search for outpatient care has increased, the number of hospitalizations due to the effects of heat has decreased. There were 2 cases in the first ten months of 2025, compared to 6 the previous year.
On Sunday afternoon (28), the city of São Paulo reached the highest temperature of the year and also the hottest day ever recorded in the month of December since measurements began in 1943. The conventional weather station of Inmet (National Institute of Meteorology), at the Santana viewpoint (northern zone), recorded 36.3°C at 3 p.m.
The Ministry of Health reinforces the necessary care on days of high temperatures and warns that symptoms such as drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, headache resistant to painkillers, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and convulsions are signs of worsening and require immediate medical attention.
On Saturday (27), Inmet issued a warning of great danger for a heat wave that affects 1,284 municipalities in Brazil. The area under red alert covers the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, northern Paraná and southern Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo.
The red warning – Inmet’s third and most serious – continues until this Monday (29). The category indicates a health risk with temperatures 5°C above average for more than five days.
Healthcare on Extreme Heat Days
- Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty. The ideal is to drink around 35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day;
- Avoid exposing yourself to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the period of greatest solar radiation;
- Wear light, light-colored clothing that facilitates sweating and reflects less heat;
- Favor ventilated and shaded environments;
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods, which can make digestion difficult and increase body temperature;
- Include water-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet, such as watermelon, melon, cucumber and lettuce;
- Never leave children, elderly people or animals in closed vehicles, as the internal temperature can rise quickly and cause hyperthermia.
About The Author
