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Staying Safe During the 2025 Heat Wave

By lila Stein | WASHINGTON – 2025/06/21 14:49:34

As summer officially begins, the first major heat wave of 2025 has arrived, prompting health alerts and safety advisories across the United States and the United Kingdom.

The National Weather Service reported that over 40 million Americans were under heat alerts on Friday, with temperatures in the Midwest expected to climb well into the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius) this weekend. Major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Denver could see triple-digit highs. The East Coast is predicted to experience the peak of the heat wave early next week.

British health officials have also issued heat warnings, urging residents to take precautions.

Experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves to climate change, driven largely by the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. This trend is expected to continue,making already hot regions even more susceptible to extreme temperatures.

Beyond discomfort, heat poses meaningful health risks, notably for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. It’s crucial to take steps to stay safe during these periods of extreme heat.

Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe during the heat wave.

Understanding Heat Danger

Determining when heat becomes dangerous involves more than just looking at the temperature. The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) offers a extensive measurement, factoring in temperature, humidity, cloud cover, and wind. A more readily available metric is the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity and can be easily found on weather apps. These measurements highlight why a shaded area in a dry climate like Phoenix at 90°F (32°C) might be safer than an exposed park in humid Little Rock at 80°F (27°C).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides a chart based on the heat index to assess the danger of prolonged exposure. As an example,a day with a temperature of 96°F (36°C) and 45% humidity falls into the “danger” category for extended exposure or strenuous activity.

While the WBGT threshold isn’t absolute, recent studies indicate that even young, healthy individuals can’t withstand prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity.

“Your body needs a reprieve. You don’t get that overnight, we start the next day at a deficit.”

Effective Cooling Strategies

Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University, emphasizes the danger of high overnight temperatures during a heat wave.

“Your body needs a reprieve,” she saeid. “You don’t get that overnight, we start the next day at a deficit.” she notes that heat can decrease productivity and increase emergency room visits.

“When we have overnight temperatures that don’t drop below 75 degrees” F (24 degrees C), she said, “You start to see some pretty exceptional outcomes with respect to heat illness and heat stroke, and even mortality.”

Ward recommends seeking air conditioning whenever possible. While many people may have air conditioning at home, census data can sometimes overestimate access.

If cooling an entire house isn’t feasible, Ward suggests creating a “cool corner” for sleeping to help the body recover for the next day.

Evaporative coolers can be helpful in dry climates, but they increase humidity, perhaps hindering cooling. In humid areas, using a fan is generally more effective.

If you lack air conditioning, consider public spaces like movie theaters, malls, and libraries. some communities also establish cooling centers for residents.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program may offer assistance in purchasing a window air conditioning unit,according to the National Council on aging.Local nonprofits and civic groups may also provide support.

Workplace Safety Rights

Understanding your rights as an outdoor worker is crucial. Though, the United States lacks federal heat regulations to protect workers.

Some states,including Washington,Oregon,California,Nevada,Colorado,Minnesota,and Maryland,have implemented heat protection rules,according to the National Resources Defense Council. However,many states still lack such protections.

Bharat Venkat, director of the University of California, Los Angeles Heat Lab, emphasizes the challenges in enforcing existing regulations. He notes that shaded areas may be too far for workers to access during breaks without losing wages, and management may hinder workers from advocating for themselves. “Most workers don’t actually have control over their time or control over where they work,” he said.

Despite these challenges, staying hydrated and lowering body temperature are essential.Drink plenty of fluids, wet your clothing, and apply cold water or a cold rag to your hands, feet, armpits, and neck. A portable handheld fan or cooling vest can also provide relief.

When exercising, avoid the hottest times of day and bring more water than you anticipate needing.

Recognizing Heat Illness Symptoms

heat illness symptoms can vary,and certain medications or underlying conditions can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature,according to Venkat.

Early warning signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, and headache. If you experience these symptoms, stop your activity and cool down by splashing cold water on yourself or finding an air-conditioned space.

As heat exhaustion develops, new symptoms such as a faster heart rate and dizziness may appear. Heat stroke, a more severe condition, can cause confusion, slurred speech, and fainting. ward advises calling 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected.

“Don’t be embarrassed to call 911 or go to urgent care when you think you might have overdone it in the heat,” he said.