AUSTIN, Texas — Summertime heat has arrived in Central Texas. Once we start reaching triple-digit temperatures, heat exhaustion and heat stroke become a concern.
It's important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and how heat exhaustion is caused.
Before we delve into how our bodies react to heat, it's important to note that the normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees. Our bodies sweat as a way to naturally cool when temperatures get hot.
On some hot days with high humidity, the heat will have an effect on our bodies in which it'll feel hotter than it actually is. This is called the heat index, and this can also play a role in heat illnesses.
As mentioned, our bodies naturally sweat, but when we have extremely hot and humid temperatures, the air becomes more saturated and has a difficult time bringing in more water. We need water in the atmosphere to sweat, so if we are unable to sweat, the body struggles to naturally cool like it's supposed to.
This can result in many illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms shared by the two conditions are nausea and vomiting.
Heat exhaustion causes you to become faint or dizzy, you sweat excessively, your skin is cool, pale and clammy, and you have a weak pulse with muscle cramps. A heat stroke gives you have a throbbing headache, you don't sweat, you have a body temperature above 103 with red, hot, dry skin, and you may lose consciousness.
As a result, if you are dealing with heat exhaustion, you have time to get to a cooler area with air conditioning and drink plenty of water, and take a cold shower. If you see someone suffering from heat stroke, immediately call 911 and immediately cool the person until help arrives.
Stick with KVUE for the latest on your forecast and how to stay safe during this heat.