Too Hot to Handle
As extreme summertime heat becomes more common and lasts longer, the risk of heat-related deaths and illnesses increases. On top of the dangerous heat waves the south-central U.S. has been experiencing, now officials are warning that parts of Southern California will likely see "extreme heat, damaging winds and an increased fire threat" due to Tropical Storm Kay. The storm is forecast to make the closest pass to the state since 1997, and is expected to exasperate already sweltering heat conditions through the weekend. While a variety of serious health impacts, including heart attack, can result from excessive temperatures, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are among the most common. Here are some of the most important things to understand about heat stroke (and its precursor, heat exhaustion) as well the primary symptoms to look out for.
Related: Health Problems That Are More Common During the Summer