Extremāāāe Heat
Climate change is leading to more frequent, more severe, and longer-lasting episodes of extreme heat in California, posing a greater danger to Californians. Heat kills more people directly than any other weather-related hazard. Certain population groups are at greater risk of heat-related health impacts, including unhoused people, those working outdoors or in unconditioned indoor environments, older adults, infants and children, those with chronic health conditions, people with disabilities, pregnant people, and those with low income. However, heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable.
Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and most seriously, heat stroke and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses vary, but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, tiredness or dizziness. To learn more, see:
By knowing how to prepare for extreme heat, and what to do when it occurs, you can avoid the biggest health dangers, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Learn more about how to prevent and treat heat-related illness:Learn more about how to keep heat-sensitive age groups safe during extreme heat:
āAll youth and student athletes are susceptible to the risks of exercising in a hot environment, particularly those participating in high-exertion sports. Multiple days of extreme high temperatures will make students and athletes more vulnerable to heat illness. Learn more about how to keep school populations safe:
Additional Resources & Guidance