The future is scorching, but here are 10 tips to protect yourself

Experts explain why you might want to change your habits: from how you read the forecast to how you stay hydrated.
Just a year after Earth set a new record for the hottest average temperature ever recorded, we could be in for another record-breaking hot summer.
Early summer heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere "have been severe," according to NASA. May 2024 was not only the hottest May on record in the agency's analysis of global surface temperatures, but it also "marked a full year of record monthly temperatures."
Climate change is making the heat more extreme. This has some dire implications for our health and happiness.
National Geographic has reported extensively for years on both the causes and effects of extreme heat.
Here are some of the most practical tips and tricks.
1. Your body can adapt to the heat - but only up to a point.
"Even the most fit and heat-acclimated person will die after a few hours of exposure to a 95°F 'wet bulb' exposure, a combined measure of temperature and humidity that takes into account the cooling effect of evaporation," wrote Elizabeth Royte. "At this point, the air is so hot and humid that it can no longer absorb human sweat."
2. Heat can damage your health in unexpected ways.
You are probably familiar with the symptoms of heat exhaustion - sweating, intense fatigue, headaches and irritability. But did you know that there is an increase in emergency room visits for urinary tract infections and kidney stones on very hot days? Many people die of heart attacks, asthma and kidney disease during extreme heat events - and their death certificates don't reflect how the weather worsened their condition.
3. Pregnant women are particularly at risk.
There is growing evidence that heat waves are leading to an increase in stillbirths, premature births and other complications for pregnant women. A pregnant woman's body temperature tends to be slightly higher than average - and because these women are more likely to be dehydrated and sweat less, they are less able to cool down quickly.
4. Daytime temperatures don't tell the whole story.
You know you're in for a hot moment just by glancing at your weather app. But temperature and humidity levels aren't enough to tell you how safe it is to spend time outside.
5. If you have children, be especially careful in playgrounds.
Even though your kids may love it, playgrounds can be the hottest parts of a park — or "micro heat islands," says Jennifer Vanos, a scientist at Arizona State University. This is because they are often in full sun and built with materials that absorb more heat, such as metal and rubber.
6. Heat wave is different in your pets.
The heat isn't just bad for you—it's bad for your pets, too. They are also at risk of heatstroke, sunburn and painful burns on their paws from walking on hot pavement.
7. Refreshments are not always your friend.
There are also things you can do to prepare your home for extreme heat—beyond air conditioning. If the temperatures are high and the air dry, a cooler can be just as dangerous as the heat.
8. Try putting salt in your water.
Your body is more than three-quarters water, but you lose a ton of it when you sweat on a hot day. An easy way to rehydrate? Add salt to your water. As we reported in 2023, salt not only regulates the amount of water in your cells, but it also contains electrolytes—minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride—that keep hydration at a healthy level.
So instead of buying that electrolyte drink, experts say you can also add a little salt to your water. Just don't overdo it.
9. Beware of plastic water bottles.
Carrying a water bottle during a heat wave is a smart move. But if you're using a plastic bottle, it's important to first consider how long it may have been in the sun. Chemicals from plastic are more likely to leach into your water as temperature and time increase.
10. Think twice before diving into cold water.
Taking a cold plunge in winter can be surprisingly refreshing. But during a heat wave, it can kill you. Even the most skilled swimmers risk drowning if they jump into cold water on a hot day. This is because the cold causes involuntary reflexes in the body, causing shortness of breath, hyperventilation, disorientation and lack of muscle control.