Hot weather kills hundreds of people every year. The World Health Organization estimates that from 1998 to 2017 more than 166,000 people died as a result of extreme heatwaves. That includes the more than 70,000 people who died during the 2003 heatwave in Europe. Yet, heat-related deaths and sickness are preventable. There are steps you can take to stay safe during periods of very high temperatures. Many things can affect your body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. For example, when the humidity is high, body sweat will not dry as quickly. This restricts the body’s ability to release heat. So, pay attention to not only the temperature in your area but also the level of humidity. Also, take note of nighttime temperatures. Experts say heat waves often become dangerous when the nighttime temperature does not drop much past the highest daytime temperature. Our bodies repair themselves at night when we sleep. So, hot nighttime temperatures put great pressure on the human body. Some foods and drugs can also affect the body's temperature. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, for example, can weaken the body’s system for cooling itself. On its website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, explains that some people are at high risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses. A person’s age and weight play a part in surviving high temperatures. People over 65 years of age and under the age of two are especially at risk of becoming sick from heat. Your general health is also important to consider. The CDC states that long-term diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and mental illness can put a person at greater risk.
