Even though heat waves are among the most dangerous natural hazards, they rarely receive adequate attention as their consequences aren’t immediately visible. 

“From my experience, people often downplay heat wave risks,” says medical expert Dr. Nicole Levine, MD, from Health Strive. “Possible consequences are severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These conditions can lead to serious health complications, including organ damage or even death.”

One study found that from 2000 to 2019, almost half a million people died each year from extremely hot temperatures. This year (2024), the planet had its hottest day in at least eight decades and broke the record again on July 22.

Such brutal weather conditions resulted in severe water shortages and dozens of deaths in Mexico and Central America. In Pakistan, hospitals were overwhelmed by the high heat, with frequent power outages and water shortages in some areas. Japan also issued heart-stroke alerts as temperatures reached record highs.

“In extreme heat waves, you should watch out for symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea, confusion, and headaches,” says Dr. Levine to Bored Panda. “These symptoms could suggest heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which require immediate medical attention to prevent serious health complications.”

Heat waves and their impact are much worse in the city, where the high temperatures are amplified by buildings, concrete parking lots, cars, and air conditioning units that radiate and emit heat long after the sun sets. The lack of trees and shade also greatly contributes to hotter city environments. This phenomenon is called the urban heat island effect and impacts 41 million people.

That’s why it’s crucial for people, especially in urban areas, to take precautions during heatwaves. Dr. Levine recommends, “It is important to always keep your body cool and hydrated, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).  

It might be a good idea to limit your time in the sun in general, as sunburn reduces the body’s ability to release heat. To keep your home cooler, close the curtains during the hottest parts of the day and open the windows at night.

Don’t forget that furry pets struggle in the heat too. Dogs that walk on the pavement should wear protection from the hot surface and have plenty of water in their bowls. Cooling pads and doggy pools are also great options for cooling down your companion. For more on that, you can check out our previous article, where an expert veterinarian provided additional precautions you can take to protect them.

Lastly, we want to emphasize that high temperatures are no joke and can pose serious health threats, especially to more vulnerable groups of people like the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals struggling with heart conditions and other various illnesses. So be sure to be safe in this summer heat, and don’t forget to hydrate!