Feeling hot, hot, hot from heat waves

By rzelich, courtesy iStockphoto

Time to pour a big glass of ice water and cozy up inside near the air conditioner, because it is seriously hot out there. A big chunk of the U.S. is broiling in a nasty combo of heat and humidity this week. Cities such as Chicago and Washington, D.C., are expected to reach 100 degrees or more.

Because of climate change, heat waves are becoming worse and happening more often. And unfortunately, there are more to come, with back-to-back heat waves expected this season. Heat waves are even appearing in places you don’t expect. In Alaska, temperatures reached the 90 degree mark recently.

It’s not just the U.S. that’s suffering. Last month, Europe experienced a record-breaking heat wave. It was the hottest June on record for the continent, with France and Spain reaching triple digits. Dozens of people died in India this summer when the country experienced one of its longest heat waves, with temperatures over 120 degrees.

Follow these tips to stay safe during heat waves:

• Stay inside in an air-conditioned area. If you don’t have AC at home, go to a mall, library or community center. This is a great time to catch up on Netflix, or read that book you’ve had sitting next to your bed for weeks.
• Drink plenty of water! Don’t wait until you’re overheated to drink. Stay away from soda, caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as they can make you dehydrated. 
• Wear light-colored, loose, breathable fabrics.
• If you’re in the heat and have symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or excessive sweating, call your doctor or head to the emergency room immediately.