Grilled in the brutal heatwave? Here's how you stay safe and cool without ACs

We’ve all felt it lately — that stifling, sticky heat that makes it hard to breathe, sleep, or even think straight. Across large parts of the US, the summer this year has been brutal.

But this isn’t just a bad summer. Climate change is turning heat waves into the new normal. Scientists say the planet is warming faster than expected, thanks largely to the continued burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. That means places already hot are getting dangerously hotter.

Prolonged exposure can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and worsen conditions like asthma and heart disease. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable.

Here’s how you can stay safe and cool.

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But first, how hot is too hot?

It’s not just about how hot it feels — determining when heat becomes dangerous depends on several factors beyond just temperature.

One of the most accurate ways to measure heat stress is something called the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). This metric takes into account not only the temperature, but also humidity, cloud cover, and wind — all of which affect how your body handles heat.

A more familiar measure, especially on weather apps, is the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity to give you a sense of how hot it really feels outside.

While it’s less detailed than the WBGT, it’s easier to access and still helps explain why a 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) day in dry Phoenix might be more tolerable than an 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) day in humid Little Rock — especially if you’re out in the open.

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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), certain combinations of heat and humidity can quickly become hazardous.

For instance, if the temperature hits 96 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) with 45 per cent humidity, that day would fall under the “danger” category for prolonged exposure or intense physical activity.

The WBGT doesn’t offer a clear-cut safety limit, but newer studies show that even healthy young adults can struggle with heat and humidity if they’re exposed for long periods, particularly during physical exertion.

Also read: What is a heat dome, leading to record-high temperatures in the US?

Why are hot nights especially dangerous?

While daytime heat usually gets the spotlight, overnight temperatures can be just as harmful, especially when they stay high and don’t allow the body to cool down.

“Your body needs a reprieve,” said Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University, in a conversation with the Associated Press. “You don’t get that overnight, we start the next day at a deficit.”

According to Ward, nights that don’t fall below 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) can lead to a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses, emergency room visits, and even mortality. Without the chance to recover, the human body remains stressed and more vulnerable the following day.

Her top suggestion? Find air conditioning, if possible. However, she pointed out that census data often overestimates how many people actually have working AC in their homes.

If cooling your entire house isn’t realistic, Ward recommends setting up a “cool corner” — a small area with a fan or AC where you can sleep, helping your body recharge for the next day.

In dry climates, evaporative or “swamp” coolers can offer some relief. But be cautious — “they increase humidity and can actually make it harder to cool off,” Ward noted. In humid areas, using a regular fan is usually more effective.

If you don’t have AC at home, try to spend time in public places with cooling, such as libraries, malls, movie theatres, or dedicated cooling centres that some communities set up during heatwaves.

You might also qualify for support. In some areas, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help cover the cost of a window AC unit, according to the National Council on Aging. In addition, local non-profits and civic groups may step in to help if cost is a barrier.

What to do if you work outside?

Working outside during a heatwave can be especially risky — and unfortunately, there are currently no federal heat protection rules for workers in the United States.

Some states have stepped in to fill the gap. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, states like California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, and Maryland have introduced their own heat safety standards. But many others still don’t offer any legal protection.

Even in states where rules do exist, enforcement can be inconsistent, Bharat Venkat, director of the UCLA Heat Lab told AP. He pointed out that workers often don’t have the freedom to take necessary breaks, either because shaded rest areas are too far away or because doing so might result in lost wages.

“Most workers don’t actually have control over their time or control over where they work,” Venkat said, highlighting the real-life challenges many outdoor workers face.

Within those constraints, finding ways to stay hydrated and lower your body temperature are paramount. You can do this by drinking lots of fluids, wetting clothing or putting cold water or a cold rag on your hands, feet, armpits and neck. A portable handheld fan or a cooling vest can also help.

If you’re exercising, avoid the hottest times of day and bring more water than you think you need.

What are the symptoms of heat illness?

Heat illness symptoms can vary by person, Venkat said. Medications or underlying conditions can also make it harder to regulate body temperature or notice you’re getting too hot.

Early trouble signs include heavy sweating, muscle cramps and headache. That’s when you stop what you’re doing and cool yourself off - for example, by splashing yourself with cold water or finding an air-conditioned space.

As heat exhaustion sets in, new symptoms arrive, including a faster heart rate and dizziness. Next comes heat stroke, which can include confusion, slurred words and fainting. Ward said that’s when to call 911.

“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.

With input from AP