Overview

• Health officials warn that a heat index above 105°F poses serious danger and advise limiting outdoor exposure, taking frequent breaks and prioritizing water for hydration.
• Medical experts emphasize evaporative cooling with cool, damp cloths or water sprays as the fastest on-site treatment for heat exhaustion.
• Heat-related conditions range from heat rash and cramps to heat exhaustion and life-threatening heatstroke when core temperature exceeds 104°F.
• Older adults, infants, people with chronic conditions, those in marginalized housing and outdoor workers face the highest risk during extreme heat events.
• Recent research suggests heatstroke survivors may suffer chronic damage to the kidneys, heart and brain, underscoring the need for strengthened prevention measures.