While the image of pool days, ice cream, and sunny days may make the heat associated with summer enjoyable, there is such a thing as dangerous heat levels that even a cold scoop of ice cream can't tame. Abnormally hot weather lasting for two or more days is considered a heat wave if temperatures exceed the historical average. According to data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the U.S. has seen a consistent rise in various heat wave characteristics each decade since the 1960s. This means that each decade has had a slight or significant increase in heat wave frequency, heat wave duration, heat wave season, and heat wave intensity. Following this trend, Summer 2025 has brought peak temperatures, reaching triple-digits in areas of the Eastern U.S. These severe heat cases highlight a crisis, as several issues arise with the current climate conditions. This includes an almost 120% increase in U.S. heat-related deaths in less than 25 years, a 46-day increase in the average duration of heatwaves from the 1960s, and heatwaves occurring three times more frequently than they did in the 1960s. With the reality of heatwaves becoming more of a pervasive concern for the nation, this brings up the question about how this is affecting different communities.
Anyone who has spent a few minutes outside during a grueling summer day knows how the heat personally impacts them, but certain populations are especially vulnerable to severe heat. The National Integrated Heat Health Information Systems lists those who are pregnant, have a chronic illness, newborns, children, and the elderly as being more vulnerable than most due to their bodies being less efficient in temperature regulation. Other notable communities include those who have increased exposure to heat, such as outdoor workers or certain athletes. Understanding who is most at risk during heatwave periods is essential because cases of excessive heat have the potential to be lethal.
There have been numerous reported cases of heat-induced deaths, ranging from expert trail runner Philip Kreycik to an entire Californian family who had run out of water under extreme temperatures. Heat wave-related deaths can arise from conditions such as hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or lack of body regulation which heightens other medical conditions. This means anyone has the potential to face severe symptoms of heat waves, no matter the age, fitness level, or health condition of the person.
The National Weather Service features a page of real stories from individuals who have either survived excessive heat themselves or known someone who has experienced it. These different stories include "an emergency room trip due to heat stroke," "dizziness and fatigue," "stabbing pains," and other symptoms. In the case of Benjamin Zimmerman, a resident of East Texas, helping out his parents with some yard work almost resulted in some serious excessive heat symptoms. While working, Zimmerman found himself collapsed until mustering up the strength to reach the yard's garden hose, all while "dizzy and ready to vomit." Luckily, this worked as a learning experience so Zimmerman could be prepared for any future similar weather conditions, but this story illustrates the severity of the extreme heat crisis. While awareness of the severity of heat wave outcomes and how it affects high-risk populations is important, local and policy solutions should be considered as well.
With heat waves worsening and increasing dire outcomes, examining potential large-scale solutions to mitigate their effect on various communities is crucial. The World Economic Forum has explored various solutions ranging from simpler moves, such as naming heatwaves, to actions that would require more resources, such as creating shade standards and integrating them into planning regulations and urban greening. The first person appointed to a relatively new role of "Chief Heat Officer," Jane Gilbert, listed "urban heat island mitigation…protecting homes…[and] public education" as priorities to address. Implementing these suggestions works to enhance the protection of various communities from severe heat while environmental solutions are sought out. Moreover, efforts to build better sun coverage and inform communities would help us take one step forward in breaking the decades-long pattern of increasing instances of heat wave characteristics.
Local governments and officials have the power and responsibility to establish infrastructure, services, and systems that can reduce the outcome of heat waves, especially in urban areas. One example of this infrastructure is urban greening (green spaces in urban environments), which would work by increasing the cooling effect given by plants when they release water vapor during photosynthesis. Structural solutions are the most effective in protecting vulnerable populations from being severely impacted by extreme heat conditions. On a smaller scale, there are individual efforts one can take to be protected from potential health risks that these intense heat waves may pose. Beyond reaching out to local officials for broader changes, closing windows, staying hydrated, and keeping cool should be considered absolutely necessary on a daily basis, especially during warmer seasons.
Heat waves have proven themselves to pose a serious threat to the health of many, especially due to their presence being one that seems intent on rising. While we face this current crisis, it's important to acknowledge the communities being affected. Chipping away at the heat wave crisis starts with taking steps to protect ourselves and pursuing local solutions to protect our community. Extreme heat does not seem to be disappearing anytime soon, but it is not an impossible predicament.