Officials in Southern California are raising concerns about the health risks posed by high humidity and intense heat this week. Heat-related illness is a persistent issue in California and other regions, exacerbated by climate change and rising temperatures. Despite these growing threats, the public often underestimates the dangers.
A Times investigation from 2021 estimated 3,900 heat-related deaths in California over a decade, highlighting the struggle of public agencies to effectively assist those in need. Los Angeles County public health officials have reported a rise in emergency visits for heat-related illnesses during the summer heat waves. A county health department dashboard tracks heat-related illness and mortality.
This week, humidity levels are making temperatures feel hotter. Climate scientist Daniel Swain noted the severity of humidity, stating it’s extremely high for any area, particularly Southern California. “This is an absolute humidity that is very high,” Swain said, adding that current levels are unprecedented for the region.
Experts explain that humidity hampers the body’s natural cooling methods by slowing sweat evaporation, which causes body temperatures to rise. Lower humidity reduces the risk of heat-related illness.
Understanding Heat Stress
“Heat stress” involves the total amount of heat a person must regulate to maintain stable internal temperatures in organs and the core, according to Dr. David Eisenman of UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and Fielding School of Public Health. “Our body functions best at an internal temperature of about 98.6 degrees,” Eisenman explained.
The body constantly works to maintain this temperature, whether the heat source is internal, such as from exercise, or external, like the weather. Rising heat and humidity require the body to exert more effort to stabilize internal temperatures. Eisenman suggests “skin wetting” to keep bare skin damp, using a spray bottle to mist water onto your face, neck, and forearms every 5–10 minutes. Wetting clothing with cold water or using chilled towels on the body can help.
Guidance from Los Angeles Department of Public Health
The Los Angeles Department of Public Health offers valuable advice to cope with heat and humidity:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink water consistently, even if not thirsty.
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing, use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), wear a hat, or carry an umbrella.
- Keep your home cool. If unable to cool your home, seek air-conditioned places or cooling centers.
- Do not leave children or pets in vehicles, even briefly. Cars can quickly become dangerously hot.
- Check on those at high risk for heat-related illnesses, such as older adults, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, children, pets, outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone without air conditioning.
- Call 911 immediately if you observe confusion, fainting, hot/red skin, high body temperature, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, or nausea.
If lacking air conditioning, take cool showers or baths, use stoves and ovens less, and visit air-conditioned locations like libraries, cooling centers, or malls. Contact 211 for help locating cool spaces.
Recognizing Heat Illness
The Times provides guidance on identifying symptoms of heat-related illness:
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Body temperature over 104 degrees, tiredness, dizziness, communication difficulties, headache, cognitive decline, fainting, heavy sweating.
Treatment: Remove excess clothing or gear, wrap the body with a wet towel, and call 911.
Heatstroke
Symptoms: Core temperature over 104 degrees, unconsciousness, possibly dry skin, and impaired sweating.
Treatment: Move to a cooler place and call 911 immediately.