Climate Matters: Nighttime heat extends health risks in heat waves
Summer is heating up, and not just when you'd think. As daytime temperatures continue to warm with climate change, nights are getting even hotter.
Nighttime temperatures are warming faster than at any other time, extending the risks of heat through all hours of the day. In Columbia, overnight temperatures have warmed by over 3 degrees Fahrenheit in the last 50 years, compared to an increase of 1 degree for average daily temperatures.
If overnight temperatures remain elevated in the 70s or higher, this warmth doesn't allow our bodies to recover from the heat of the day.
Across the spectrum of heat-related illnesses, the most common types are heat exhaustion, which can then progress to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion presents with headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue due to dehydration. While dangerous, heat exhaustion can be managed by getting to a cool area, preferably in AC, and drinking water.
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness that occurs when internal body temperature rapidly rises above 106 degrees.
Austin Krohn, the Public Health Information Specialist for the Columbia Health Department, says hydration is key to preventing heat-related illnesses.
"When the heat is just unbearably high throughout all hours of the day and night, it's important to manage your symptoms if you have any, and especially stay hydrated, even if you're about to go to bed or something, please drink some water," Austin says. He says to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as these can further contribute to dehydration.
Austin says the greatest danger is from heat stroke, which will usually require another person's help if illness gets to that point. "Heat stroke is the real bad one, that's gonna require a 911 call. We're talking about a loss of consciousness at some points with heat strokes." Austin says, "If you have a heat stroke, it's probably going to come down to someone else helping you."
If you're out for 4th of July plans this weekend, the forecast calls for very warm overnight temperatures, even in the 80s close to midnight, so make sure you're staying hydrated when you're out for fireworks.
