Understanding Heat Stress: A Lethal Threat in Rising Temperatures

This year, many places like India, Mexico, and other corners of world have seen extremely hot weather. Experts are warning about a dangerous problem called heat stress. It’s deadlier than hurricanes or floods because it makes it hard for the body to stay cool. Symptoms can range from feeling dizzy to organs failing, and sometimes death.

Heat is a silent killer,” said Alejandro Saez Reale from the World Meteorological Organization. Its effects can be hidden until it’s too late, especially for babies, older people, and those who work outside. Cities with lots of concrete and few plants are at higher risk.

Heat stress isn’t just about hot temperatures. It also depends on humidity, wind, and the amount of sunlight. The “feels like” temperature can be very different in different places, affecting how our bodies handle the heat.

Tools to measure heat stress

Scientists use different ways to measure heat stress, like the Wet-Bulb Temperature and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). These tools help show how risky the heat is, from medium to extreme. They also guide what actions should be taken to keep people healthy during heatwaves.

But these measures aren’t perfect. They work well in some areas but not as well in others. We need to adjust them to understand heat stress all around the world and protect people from its dangers.