Heat Above 40°C: How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), extreme heat is one of the most serious weather-related threats to human health. It can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, while also increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other complications, particularly for people living with chronic illnesses.

The good news is that many of these risks can be reduced by following a few simple precautions.

Don't wait until you feel thirsty

During hot weather, the body loses fluids much faster than usual, and thirst is not always an early warning sign.

WHO recommends drinking water regularly throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Plain water is the best choice.

Limit your time in the sun

Whenever possible, schedule outdoor activities, exercise and work for the early morning or evening.

During the hottest hours of the day, stay indoors or seek shade. If you need to be outside for an extended period, take regular breaks and avoid strenuous physical activity.

Keep your home cool

WHO advises keeping windows and curtains closed during the day to reduce indoor heat, then ventilating your home at night and early in the morning when temperatures drop.

If your home becomes too hot, try to spend a few hours in an air-conditioned public place, such as a shopping mall or another cooled building.

Dress for the heat

Loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing helps your body stay cool.

Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses. They not only protect you from direct sunlight but also make hot weather easier to tolerate.

Never leave children or pets in a parked car

Not even "just for a couple of minutes." A parked vehicle can heat up extremely quickly, turning into a dangerously hot enclosed space within minutes.

When to seek medical help immediately

Early signs of heat-related illness may include:

1. severe weakness;
2. headache;
3. dizziness;
4. nausea;
5. muscle cramps;
6. intense thirst.

However, if a person becomes confused, loses consciousness, develops hot skin or has a rapidly rising body temperature, it may be a sign of heatstroke.

In this case, call emergency services immediately. Move the person to a cool place and begin cooling them with wet towels or cool water while waiting for medical assistance.

Extreme heat is becoming the new normal

According to the World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization, climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense across much of the world.

Extreme heat is no longer an occasional weather event – it is becoming something people will increasingly need to adapt to. Carrying a bottle of water, resting in the shade and paying attention to how your body feels may seem like small habits, but they can make a critical difference during periods of extreme heat.