Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, particularly for older adults, children, outdoor workers, and people with underlying medical conditions. Health experts say simple cooling measures, proper hydration, and recognizing the warning signs of heat-related illness can help reduce the dangers, even for those without access to air conditioning.
As heat waves become more frequent and intense, public health experts are urging people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, especially when temperatures remain high overnight and access to air conditioning is limited.
According to health specialists cited by the Associated Press, prolonged exposure to high temperatures—particularly when combined with elevated humidity—can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature. Climate change is also contributing to increasingly severe heat waves and greater heat stress in many parts of the world.
Understanding Heat Risk
Air temperature alone does not determine how dangerous hot weather can be. Experts say humidity, wind, cloud cover, and direct sunlight all influence how the body experiences heat.
One of the most comprehensive measurements is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which considers temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed. While WBGT is commonly used in occupational and athletic settings, the heat index—which combines temperature and humidity—is more widely available through weather forecasts and mobile applications.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also provides a heat index chart that estimates the health risks associated with prolonged exposure. Under NOAA guidance, temperatures of 96 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) combined with 45% humidity fall within the “danger” category for extended outdoor activity or strenuous exercise.
Recent research cited in the report suggests that even healthy young adults may struggle to tolerate prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity.
Why Warm Nights Matter
Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University, said overnight cooling plays a critical role in allowing the body to recover from daytime heat exposure.
“Your body needs a reprieve,” Ward said. “You don’t get that overnight, we start the next day at a deficit.”
Ward noted that overnight temperatures remaining above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) have been associated with higher rates of heat-related illness, heat stroke, emergency medical visits, and deaths.
Without sufficient nighttime cooling, the body’s accumulated heat stress can continue into the following day, increasing health risks during prolonged heat waves.
Staying Cool Without Air Conditioning
Although air conditioning remains one of the most effective protections against extreme heat, experts acknowledge that it is not available or affordable for everyone.
Ward recommends creating a designated “cool corner” inside the home if cooling an entire residence is not possible. Sleeping in the coolest available area may help the body recover overnight before temperatures rise again.
Cooling strategies may vary depending on local climate conditions. Evaporative, or “swamp,” coolers can be effective in dry environments but may increase indoor humidity, making them less suitable in already humid regions. In humid climates, using electric fans is generally considered a better option.
People without home air conditioning are also encouraged to seek relief in air-conditioned public buildings, including libraries, shopping centers, movie theaters, or community cooling centers where available.
The report also notes that assistance programs may help some households obtain cooling equipment. In the United States, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may provide support for purchasing window air conditioning units, according to the National Council on Aging. Some local nonprofit organizations and community groups may also offer assistance.
Workplace Heat Protections
Outdoor workers face elevated risks during periods of extreme heat. Workplace protections vary by jurisdiction, and some U.S. states—including Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, and Maryland—have adopted heat safety regulations, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Bharat Venkat, director of the University of California, Los Angeles Heat Lab, said that while regulations exist in some locations, workers may still encounter barriers that make protective measures difficult to access.
He noted that shaded rest areas may be located far from work sites, potentially discouraging breaks if workers fear losing wages. Some employees may also have limited ability to influence their schedules or request additional safety measures.
Within those limitations, Venkat recommends staying well hydrated, cooling the body with cold water, and placing cool, wet cloths on areas such as the neck, armpits, hands, and feet. Portable handheld fans and cooling vests may also help reduce heat stress.
People exercising outdoors should avoid the hottest part of the day and carry more drinking water than they expect to need.
Recognizing Heat Illness
Early recognition of heat-related illness can help prevent medical emergencies.
Venkat said symptoms differ between individuals, and certain medications or medical conditions may reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature or recognize overheating.
Initial warning signs often include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, and headaches. At that stage, experts recommend stopping physical activity immediately, moving to a cooler location, and using cold water to lower body temperature.
As heat exhaustion develops, symptoms may progress to dizziness and a rapid heartbeat. Heat stroke—the most severe form of heat illness—can involve confusion, slurred speech, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
Ward urged people not to delay seeking emergency medical attention when severe symptoms appear.
“Don’t be embarrassed to call 911 or go to urgent care when you think you might have overdone it in the heat,” Ward said.
Environmental Context
Scientists have found that climate change is increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves in many regions. While individual heat events cannot be attributed solely to climate change, rising global temperatures are contributing to greater heat exposure and increasing public health risks.
Health experts continue to emphasize that preparation, access to cooling, hydration, and prompt recognition of heat illness remain among the most effective ways to reduce harm during periods of extreme heat.
Tags: Heat Wave, Extreme Heat, Climate Change, Heat Safety, Public Health, Heat Stress, Air Conditioning, NOAA, Heat Illness, Outdoor Workers, Environmental Health, Weather Safety
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