The US is on course to break heat records, putting millions of Americans at risk for severe, long-term health problems, particularly in the South and Southeast. States like Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and the Carolinas are under heat warnings, according to the National Weather Service.

Extreme heat poses a danger to people of all ages, but those living in these regions, where temperatures remain persistently high, face especially serious risks. Many Southern states, including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina, have some of the highest rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease in the U.S., making it harder for individuals to regulate their body temperature during heat waves.

"People with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable, especially during sustained periods of high heat and humidity," explained Dr John Sherner, chair of medicine at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. "Their bodies can’t regulate temperature as well, so they overheat more quickly in hot environments."

While no region of the US is immune to rising temperatures or underlying health issues, these two factors dangerously converge in the South and Southeast. When temperatures rise, the body dilates blood vessels to release heat, putting additional strain on the heart. In areas with high rates of chronic health issues, this process is even more difficult. For example, heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, becomes more dangerous in extreme heat.

According to the CDC, from 2019-21, older adults on Medicare in Southern and Eastern states had the highest rates of heart failure hospitalizations. Those with diabetes or other chronic diseases face even higher risks during heat waves, which are growing longer and more intense each year.

With 2023 marking the hottest year on record, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 77 per cent chance that 2024 will surpass it. "Sadly, it's a cycle we can’t seem to break," said Kimberly McMahon, public program manager at NOAA’s National Weather Service.

Safety Tips To Follow

Here are some safety tips to follow during extreme heat to protect your health:

- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration.

- Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 AM to 4 PM). If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned spaces.

- Wear Lightweight Clothing: Opt for loose, light-coloured, and breathable clothing to help your body stay cool.

- Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

- Keep Cool Indoors: Stay in air-conditioned environments as much as possible. If you don’t have AC, visit public places like malls or libraries.

- Take Cool Showers: Cool showers or baths can help lower your body temperature quickly.

- Know the Signs of Heat Stroke: Look out for symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, and fainting.

- Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles: Temperatures inside parked cars can rise dangerously high in minutes. Always check the backseat before locking your car.

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