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Human-caused climate change has already made heat waves around the world more frequent and intense.
Scientists studying the role of global warming on the climate say every current heat wave bears the traces of the climate crisis.
Climate change, driven primarily by humans burning fossil fuels, is worsening global extreme weather overall, but much of that change is related to heat.
In the United States, heat kills more Americans than any other climate-related disaster, and it will continue to get worse as the world warms from burning fossil fuels.
Here's what happens to your body in extreme heat, what to watch for, and how to stay safe.
What's wrong with your body?
Normally, your body is accustomed to a certain range of temperatures, usually between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. When your brain detects a change, whether lower or higher, it tries to help your body cool down or warm up, according to Dr. Judith Linden, executive vice chair of the department of emergency medicine at Boston Medical Center and a professor in the department of emergency medicine from Boston University School of Medicine.
“There are several different ways that (the brain) tries to cool the body. One way, the most common one we think of, is sweating,” Linden said. “The pores open, the body sweats and the sweat evaporates, which cools the body.”
The second way your body cools itself is by dilating your vessels and increasing your heart rate, which helps bring heat and blood to the surface of your body and helps release that excess heat.
When you are exposed to high temperatures, it is more difficult for your body to try to cool down. And if your environment is hot and When humid, sweat doesn't evaporate as easily, which further raises your body temperature, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“The higher the humidity, the lower the temperatures needed for extreme heat,” Linden said.
High body temperatures can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, the CDC says. They can also cause various heat-related illnesses.
Mild heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, are the most common, Linden said. Heat cramps can develop in people who sweat a lot, even during exercise. Excessive sweating uses up all the salt and moisture in the body and can cause muscle aches or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs, according to the CDC.
TO rash can also be developed. It is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid climates, and is most common in young children, according to the CDC. It is usually a red cluster of pimples or blisters and tends to appear in places such as the neck, upper chest, or elbow creases.
When your body begins to exceed its ability to cool itself, you can develop what is known as heat exhaustion.
“In this case, you will see excessive sweating because your body will really try to keep up with that extra heat. “You will feel dizzy, you may feel dizzy, people often experience nausea, headaches and their skin often looks pale and clammy and their pulse is often rapid,” Linden said.
“This is the body's last attempt to cool down before truly reaching the point of no return.”
a heat stroke It is the most serious heat-related illness and, if left untreated, can lead to death.
“That's where the body temperature rises above about 104 to 105 degrees, and this is where the mechanisms start to break down,” Linden said.
Warning signs may include extremely high body temperatures, red, dry skin, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, or loss of consciousness, according to the CDC.
The hallmark of heat stroke is confusion and agitation, Linden said.
“So when someone is in the heat and they become confused and agitated, that's heat stroke until proven otherwise and you need to call 911 for that or get help immediately and get the person out of the heat.”
Older people, people with chronic medical conditions, and children are at higher risk for serious heat-related illnesses.
The elderly and people with chronic medical conditions may be less likely to feel and respond to temperature changes and may be taking medications that worsen the effects of heat, the CDC said.
“Also very young (people), because they are less likely to recognize heat-related illnesses and are less likely to get out of the heat if they start to feel overheated,” Linden said.
Student-athletes and pets are also at greater risk, he added.
“In this weather, you should never, ever leave a child or pet in the car for even a minute,” Linden added.
When your community faces extreme heat, there are several things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.
First, watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion or other illnesses. “If someone starts to feel lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous or has a headache, it's time to act immediately,” Linden said. “That means getting them out of the heat and into a cool environment.”
Giving water to someone who may be experiencing symptoms and giving them fluids can help cool them down. If someone begins to lose consciousness or has nausea or vomiting, call 911.
“If you see someone in any kind of confusion, that's an immediate red flag,” Linden added.
When it's hot outside, try to avoid outdoor activities, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to Linden. If you must go outside, wear light-colored clothing, cover your head, and drink plenty of fluids.
Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water, as that can be a sign of dehydration. Linden recommends drinking at least one glass of water (or more) per hour.
“If you start to feel lightheaded, dizzy, sweaty, and have a fast pulse, get out of the heat immediately,” Linden said.
Try to find air conditioning or places in your area where you can go to stay cool, according to Ready.gov. Even spending a few hours at a mall or public library can help.
When you're at home, fans can help, but don't rely on them as your only way to cool off; While it may be more comfortable, it will not help prevent heat-related illnesses.
“If you're in a very hot room, if you have a fan, is it useful? No. I think if you have a fan and you can get soaked…then fans can be helpful,” Linden said. “Fans are not infallible.”
Finally, be sure to check on your neighbors, parents and friends, especially older people who may live alone or isolated, Linden said.
