The summer of 2026 is expected to be hotter than normal, with extreme heat, heat domes and a greater risk of getting sick from the heat.
In France, at least 40 people have drowned while swimming in lakes or canals in attempts to escape an intense heat wave baking Europe. In the United States, more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It’s important to know how heat affects your body, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says. Extreme heat makes it difficult for the body to keep its temperature in a normal range and can cause a number of dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service warns that “extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.”
Who’s at Highest Risk?
According to the CDC, age, weight, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation and sunburn all affect a person’s ability to cool off in hot weather. Alcohol and drug use can also be factors.
Those at greatest risk of heat illness are people who are:
- Ages 65 and older.
- Age 2 or younger.
- Suffering from chronic diseases or mental illness.
Young and healthy people can get heat illness too if they’re active in hot weather, the CDC says.
Tips on Keeping Cool
- Drink water — more than usual — no matter how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Make sure your pets have plenty to drink.
- Avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar, alcohol or caffeine. These can increase body fluid loss.
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially in the middle of the day.
- Use drapes or shades on windows to keep out the sun.
- Limit oven and stove use to keep in-home temperatures lower.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to improve perspiration evaporation.
What Else Can You Do?
- Check on the well-being of friends and neighbors — do they need help keeping cool?
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car, even with partially open windows. The vehicle interior can rapidly reach dangerous temperatures.
- Seek immediate medical care for anyone showing symptoms of heat illness.
Sources: USA TODAY Network reporting and research; The Associated Press; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Federal Emergency Management Agency; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Emergency Operations Center, Houston
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