Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather (2024)

FAQs

Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather? ›

Keep cool: use air conditioning or a fan, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge and by taking cool showers. Stay hydrated: during days of extreme heat, keep drinking water before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors or performing physical activity.

Keep cool: use air conditioning or a fan, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge and by taking cool showers. Stay hydrated: during days of extreme heat, keep drinking water before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors or performing physical activity.

COPING WITH THE HEAT

Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty (if your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather). Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers.

Have a lukewarm or cool shower before bed to bring your body temperature down slowly This will also help to cool down hot feet at night. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods in the evening - they increase your body temperature. Drink a glass of cold water before bed and keep one close during the night.

Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to your predesignated cool location. Wear lightweight, loose clothing and take cool showers or baths. Limit your outdoor activity.

Use box fans and ceiling fans to promote air circulation throughout your home. In the evening when the weather is cooler, open windows and promote as much air circulation as possible. Before the sun rises, close all windows, making sure to close curtains and blinds.

Take advantage of the cooling power of water.

Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels and bandannas can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water for refreshing spritzes throughout the day.

How do humans deal with heat? ›

When heat activates sweat glands, these glands bring that water, along with the body's salt, to the surface of the skin as sweat. Once on the surface, the water evaporates. Water evaporating from the skin cools the body, keeping its temperature in a healthy range.

Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees.

Eat and Drink the Appropriate Food and Beverages

Drink plenty of water at regular intervals – regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.

Heat acclimatization is the improvement in heat tolerance that comes from gradually increasing the intensity or duration of work performed in a hot setting. The best way to acclimatize yourself to the heat is to increase the workload performed in a hot setting gradually over a period of 1–2 weeks.

Set your thermostat to 65 degrees: Many experts agree that 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius) is the best temperature for sleep. While it might sound relatively cool, this thermostat setting helps your body maintain its natural core temperature for sleeping.