Extreme Heat

Written By Andrew Nunno

Summary

When dangerous heat hits Connecticut, CHPCA urges residents to stay hydrated, keep cool, and recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially among older adults, outdoor workers, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions or taking certain medications. The AMA has declared climate change a public health crisis, with extreme heat being one of the most direct and deadly impacts on human health.

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Key Messages

  • Use the National Weather Service HeatRisk Dashboard to check the 7-day heat forecast for your ZIP code: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk

  • Hydrate regularly throughout the day; avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.

  • Limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours (10 AM - 4 PM); take frequent shade/AC breaks.

  • Use cooling centers. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org for locations.

  • Check on older neighbors, people without air conditioning. and anyone at higher risk.

  • Never leave children, older adults, or pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes.

  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 15+).

  • If working outdoors, follow the OSHA Heat Safety Tool recommendations and take breaks in the shade. (https://www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app)

Heat Illness Symptoms & First Aid

Heat exhaustion:

  • Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, pale or clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness or fainting

  • Action: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water slowly; seek care if symptoms last more than 1 hour or worsen

Heat stroke (CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY):

  • Symptoms: Body temperature ≥103°F, confusion or altered mental status, loss of consciousness, seizures, hot dry skin or profuse sweating.

  • Action: Call 911 right away. While awaiting EMS, move the person to a cooler area and remove excess clothing to promote heat loss. If possible, apply continuous external cooling methods such as ice-water immersion or use cool water sprays combined with fans to help lower their body temperature.

  • Do NOT give fluids if person is unconscious.

Who is Most at Risk

  • Infants and young children

  • Adults 65 years and older

  • People with chronic medical conditions (heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, mental illness)

  • Pregnant and postpartum people

  • Outdoor workers (construction, agriculture, landscaping, delivery)

  • Athletes and people who exercise outdoors

  • People taking certain medications (see below)

  • People without access to air conditioning

  • Socially isolated individuals

Medications That Can Increase Heat Risk

Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair heat tolerance and the body's ability to regulate temperature. Consult your clinician or pharmacist if you take:

  • Diuretics (water pills)

  • Blood pressure medications (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors)

  • Allergy medications (antihistamines)

  • Mental health medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants)

  • Stimulants (ADHD medications)

  • Thyroid hormone replacement

  • Some antibiotics that increase sun sensitivity

Do NOT stop taking prescribed medications without talking to your doctor.

Connecticut-Specific Information

The Yale Center on Climate Change and Health reports that Connecticut is experiencing more frequent and intense heat events. Urban heat islands in cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport can be 10-15°F hotter than surrounding areas. The CT DPH Office of Climate and Health collaborates with local health departments to provide Heat and Air Quality Response Planning resources. 

Connecticut municipalities can access the Yale/DPH Extreme Heat & Air Quality Preparedness Toolkit to develop local response plans:

https://ysph.yale.edu/yale-center-on-climate-change-and-health/policy-and-public-health-practice/connecticut/ct-extreme-heat-toolkit/

Local Resources

Medical Authority Guidance

The AMA recommends that physicians counsel patients about heat-related health risks, especially those with chronic conditions or taking medications that affect heat tolerance. The CDC provides clinical guidance for healthcare professionals on heat and health, including condition-specific heat action plans for patients with asthma, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, and diabetes. More than 1,200 Americans die annually from extreme heat, more than from all other weather-related causes combined.

References

CDC: Clinical Overview of Heat: https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/clinical-overview

CDC: Heat and Medications: https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/clinical-guidance/heat-and-medications-guidance-for-clinicians.html

AMA: Climate Change and Health: https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/environmental-health/advocacy-action-combatting-health-effects-climate-change

OSHA Heat Safety Tool: https://www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app

Heat.gov: Learn About Extreme Heat: https://heat.gov/learn-about-extreme-heat

OSHA Heat Safety for Employers: https://www.osha.gov/heat/employer-responsibility


Andrew Nunno