Extreme Heat

Normally, when you get hot, your body cools itself by sweating. But when it is very hot and humid, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs and even cause death. 

What is Extreme Heat? 

Extreme heat can be a period of heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 ºF for 2 to 3 days. Extreme heat can also be defined as a temperature that is hotter and/or more humid than normal. A heat wave is a period of hotter-than-normal weather that lasts for more than 2 days. Because some places are hotter than others, what might be normal in one place (like Arizona) could be extreme for another place (like Maine).   

How Extreme Heat Affects Health

Extreme heat can directly affect our health, through heat-related illnesses, and can indirectly affect our health by putting a strain on infrastructure, through events like power outages and droughts.   

During periods of extreme heat, your body may not be able to cool itself or stay hydrated like it normally does. This can cause different kinds of heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash.   

Symptoms can include muscle cramping, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakness, and nausea. Here is a list of symptoms of different heat-related illness.   

Who is Most At-Risk During Periods of Extreme Heat?

Anyone can experience heat-related illness. Some people, like people who work outdoors, athletes, older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and small children, are more at risk during heat waves.  

• Infants and young children are sensitive to extreme heat and rely on other people to keep them cool and hydrated.  
• Adults age 65 and older are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.  
• People who have underlying health conditions may be less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. They may also be taking medications that make them more sensitive to extreme heat.  
• People who use substances, like alcohol or stimulants, are more at risk for heat-related illness because these substances can impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Some of these substances can also cause dehydration.  
• Athletes are more likely to become dehydrated and are more likely to get heat-related illness.  
• People who work outside are more likely to become dehydrated and are more likely to get heat-related illness.  
• People who live in communities with fewer green spaces (trees and parks), less access to cooling resources (air conditioning, cooling centers), and greater exposure to urban heat islands are more at risk for heat-related illness.   

What You Should Do

During periods of extreme heat, there are some steps everyone can take to protect themselves and others.  

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location. If your home does not have air conditioning, open windows, use fans, and keep shades or curtains drawn during the day.  
• When it is cooler than 95°F, open windows on opposite sides of the home, then use an electric fan to pull cool air into the living space and a second fan to blow hot air out. This creates a cross-breeze.  
• Drink plenty of fluids (avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can cause dehydration). Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water.  
• Take cool baths or showers.  
• Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.  
• Slow down and limit physical activity.  
• Schedule outdoor events, exercise, and practice for the early or late hours in the day when temperatures are lower and it is cooler.  
• Wear light-colored, light-weight clothing. Use hats with brims and sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) for more protection.  
• Check on friends, family, and neighbors during extreme heat.  
• Some medications can make you dehydrated or can cause you to overheat on hot days. Also, some medications need to be kept in cool places. If you regularly take medications for a health condition, talk to your doctor about how to prepare for extreme heat.  
• Call 211 to find a cooling center in your area, or visit http://www.riema.ri.gov/coolingcenters/index.php.  
• Never leave a child, a disabled person, an older adult, or a pet in an unattended car.  
• Avoid cooking in the oven or stovetop indoors during the day when it’s hottest.  
• Unplug large electronics, such as televisions, that produce heat.  
• Make sure you know the signs of heat related illness and how to respond to them.  
• Use tools like AirNow.Gov and CDC’s Heat Risk tool to stay up to date with the health risks near you. These tools also give you actions to take when it is hot or there is poor air quality.