Can The Texas Heat Actually Kill You?
The short answer is, "yes".
We continue we some type of evil heat bubble over the Lone Star State bringing us relentless temperatures, many near or above the one hundred degree mark (In fact, some people reading this are saying, "I WISH it was only one hundred degrees"). The fact is, this heat is absolutely no joke.
As of the end of June, at least 13 people died from heat-related issues and that number will go WAY up here at the end of July/beginning of August. Here's the real problem, August is generally when it's worst in Texas. Whether things get worse remains to be seen, but it's certainly something to think about. In 2022 the death toll was 279 people.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can kick in really quickly or build up over days. For Heat exhaustion o the CDC says you should watch for:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- Decreased urine output
As for Heat Stroke, the symptoms are
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
The bottom line is if you're out in the sun and/or heat, you should watch for any of these symptoms closely, and especially in the case of possible Heat Stroke, seek attention immediately.
If you have to be exposed to the heat, probably the best advice for avoiding either is to have plenty to drink. You should be drinking before you feel thirsty to stay ahead of any problems.
So yes again, I can't stress this enough, the Texas heat can and will kill. Please take proper precautions.