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Heat and HealthClimate change is creating longer periods of hot weather and greater humidity in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists predict extreme heat events will become more frequent and longer lasting. Even more concerning are days with a high heat index: a combination of hot air temperature and humidity. A heat index greater than 105 degrees is dangerous to health. By 2050, experts predict that Milwaukee will see 3 times as many days with a heat index above 105 degrees.
How does this harm our health? Heat can lead to illness and death from heat stroke and dehydration. Knowing the signs of these is important to keep you and those around you safe. Visit the CDC Heat Safety page to learn the symptoms and for tips to stay cool. Extreme heat can also worsen chronic diseases that then lead to costly emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Additionally, as Wisconsin sees higher overnight temperatures, people will be less able to recover from daytime heat, causing greater risk to their health. Who is being harmed? Anyone can be harmed by extreme heat, but some people face greater risk. One of the most susceptible populations to heat is older adults. People over the age of 65 are more at risk for heat stress due to poor temperature regulation with age. They are also more likely to have chronic medical conditions that change how the body responds to heat and to be taking prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control temperature and sweat. Young children, older adults, and people taking certain medications are also more vulnerable because they are less able to regulate their body temperature. Pregnant women are vulnerable too as extreme heat can cause premature birth. Another population at an increased risk are residents who live in a low socioeconomic status and live in places susceptible to “heat islands”—urban areas that retain more heat than rural areas due to the increased amount of cement and asphalt, and lack of green space. During a heatwave in 1995, Milwaukee county reported 91 heat-related deaths, many of which occurred in low-income neighborhoods. A 2020 analysis of U.S. cities found that discriminatory housing policies and planning played a significant role in concentrating heat islands in predominantly low-income communities and communities of color. For people living in houses or buildings without air conditioning, the heat island effect can become worse. People with lower incomes often also have limited accessibility to medical care, making them even more vulnerable to heat and heat related illness. Those working outside are also at an increased risk, with farmers being 35 times more likely to die of extreme heat than any other occupation according to the National Institute of Health. Stay Safe More resources and guidance on extreme heat can be found here: City of Madison Heat Resilience Climate Change is Harming Our Health in Wisconsin, a 2020 report CDC Temperature Extremes How extreme heat from climate change distorts human behavior Extreme heat affects early childhood development and health |
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