More than 91 million Americans in the Southern and Southwestern regions of the country are currently under heat advisories from the National Weather Service. Of those, approximately 79 million are expected to experience dangerous heat, with heat indexes exceeding 103 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to note that the heat index combines both heat and humidity, meaning that even if the temperature is below 100 degrees, high humidity can still make it dangerous.
Cities such as Phoenix, Tucson, Houston, and Austin have been enduring a relentless heat wave for weeks. Phoenix, in particular, broke a record with 19 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Climate change and El Niño have contributed to multiple record-breaking hot days this month.
Extreme heat poses significant health risks, especially when coupled with high humidity, as it impairs the body’s ability to cool down through sweat evaporation. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, become more likely, and there’s an increased risk of conditions like heart failure. In fact, extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the United States, causing an average of 700 deaths per year and over 67,000 emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it’s worth mentioning that these numbers are likely underestimated since heat-related deaths are often misclassified.
Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, as well as babies, pregnant women, and the elderly, face elevated risks due to their bodies being less adept at regulating temperature. Lower-income urban areas, with their lack of trees and abundance of pavement, can be up to 20 degrees hotter than nearby suburbs. People living in these areas are more likely to lack air conditioning, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Workers who spend time outdoors are also at greater risk, and Texas recently overturned workplace heat safety requirements in Dallas and Austin, leaving workers without legal guarantees regarding water breaks.
To prevent health problems during extreme heat, the NWS and other health authorities recommend:
1. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water (even if you don’t feel thirsty) and avoiding alcohol, which can cause dehydration.
2. Avoiding strenuous activity and scheduling outdoor exercise or work during cooler times of the day.
3. Wearing sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which contributes to dehydration and inhibits the body’s ability to cool down.
4. Seeking air-conditioned environments. If these aren’t available, places like shopping malls or public libraries can provide relief. Alternatively, taking a cool shower or bath can help lower body temperature.
5. Checking the heat index on Heat.gov, a website launched by the Biden administration, to stay informed about heat conditions.
Dehydration is a major risk during extreme heat. If you don’t consume enough fluids to compensate for sweat loss, your body temperature may rise, leading to heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Look out for symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and weakness. Heavy sweating and a hot body temperature could indicate heatstroke, characterized by symptoms like vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, or a racing heart. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to take immediate action.
For heat exhaustion, the Mayo Clinic suggests lying down with your legs elevated above your heart and drinking water or sports drinks. If possible, take a cool shower or immerse yourself in water, or use cold, wet towels on your body. If symptoms persist for more than an hour or if heatstroke is suspected, take a cold bath or use ice packs to reduce body temperature and seek emergency medical treatment.
