Climate Change & Extreme Heat

Extreme heat events, or heat waves, are a leading cause of EXTREME WEATHER-RELATED DEATHS in the United States and the number of heat-related deaths is rising!

Adults over 65, children under 4, people with existing medical problems such as heart disease, and people without access to air conditioning.

- Find an air-conditioned shelter
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Take cool showers or baths
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device
- Drink more water than usual
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amouts of sugar
- Remind others to drink enough water


- Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips
- Learn the symptoms of heat illness
Visit CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network to learn more about climate change and extreme heat at https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/