As temperatures rise this summer, it is critical to stay prepared for extreme heat conditions. Use these messages to prepare communities for extreme heat and heat-related illness.
What is extreme heat?
Extreme heat describes temperatures that are significantly above average. Generally, this means temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit that last more than two days. High levels of humidity can make outdoor temperatures feel even hotter and make it harder for the body to cool down. Extreme heat also causes stagnant air, which can lead to higher air pollution and decreased air quality.
What causes heat-related illness?
Heat-related illness occurs when a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down.
Many factors can increase body temperature during extreme heat, including dehydration, living and working in spaces without air conditioning, and intense physical activity.
What are common heat-related illnesses and their symptoms?
The most common heat-related illnesses include: heat rash, sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Contact a medical professional immediately if symptoms include high body temperature (103°F or higher), dizziness, fainting, nausea, headache, a fast heart rate, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin.
Sweating is a common and normal bodily response to exercise, physical activity, or being in hot indoor and outdoor spaces. But during periods of extreme heat, if excess sweating is paired with any other symptoms, it could be a sign of more severe heat-related illness. Review a helpful chart with symptoms and next steps for heat-related illness.
Are certain groups of people more likely to have a heat-related illness?
Yes, some people are more likely to get a heat-related illness. Examples include:
- People who work outside.
- Children and athletes who are physically active for long periods of time when it is hot outside.
- Infants, young children, and pets who likely rely on caregivers to keep them in safe temperatures during extreme heat.
- Adults over 60 years old and people with chronic health conditions who may not adjust well to sudden temperature changes.
- People without air-conditioned houses or cars, and people who work in places without air conditioning.
- Pregnant people whose bodies must work harder to cool themselves and their baby. Pregnancy can also cause dehydration, which increases the risk of heat-related illness.
During periods of extreme heat, check on neighbors, older people, pets, and loved ones who may not be prepared for extreme heat conditions, or may be at higher risk for heat-related illness.
How should I prepare for extreme heat?
During periods of extreme heat, your body has to work harder to keep you cool. Here are ways to be prepared and safe during extreme heat:
- Drink water throughout the day — approximately 8 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stay indoors, when possible, or limit time outdoors.
- Use an air conditioner to cool your home, if possible, or identify air-conditioned places in the community.
- If you find yourself overheating, take cool showers or baths to reduce your body temperature.
If you have to go outside:
- Find shade and take frequent breaks in shady places.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
- Wear a hat to cover your face and head.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection every 2 hours.
Is there anything I should avoid during periods of extreme heat?
- Avoid high-energy activities outdoors during periods of extreme heat. If you have to be outside or work outside, try to avoid the hottest part of the day (approximately 3–4 p.m.) and take frequent breaks in the shade or in air conditioning to rest and hydrate.
- Don’t leave pets or children unattended in cars under any circumstances. If you are traveling with a child, consider putting an important item in the backseat with them — like a phone, purse, or your left shoe — as an additional reminder to check the car before exiting.
- If you need to take your pets outside, try to avoid dark asphalt or pavement that can burn their paws. Touch the pavement for 7 seconds to test the temperature. If it is too hot for your bare skin, it is too hot for paw pads.
- If possible, don’t rely on cooling fans as a primary cooling device. They create airflow and may increase your comfort level, but do not necessarily reduce temperatures.
- Don’t use the oven frequently, as it can raise the temperature in your home. This is especially important if you do not have air conditioning.
Share the following resources with your community for more information about staying safe in Extreme Heat:
- Beat the Heat: Public Health Communications Collaborative
- Protecting Against Extreme Heat: Health Action Alliance
- How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat: Yale Medicine
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, July 25). About heat and your health. https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Extreme heat. Ready.gov. https://www.ready.gov/heat
USAGov. (2026, January 13). Get help with energy bills. https://www.usa.gov/help-with-energy-bills
