How to Stay Cool in Humid Weather

Staying cool in humid weather will help you to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Prevention is the key and is fairly easy to accomplish when you know the weather is going to be humid. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing and a hat when you'll be outdoors. Stay in the shade if at all possible.
2. Know that your body takes a couple of weeks to acclimate to humid weather, so use particular care in the early part of the summer. If you exercise outdoors, gradually increase your time to allow your body to adapt to the warmer temperatures and high humidity.
3. Keep yourself well hydrated by consuming an ample supply of water or diluted fruit juices throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these both contribute to dehydration.
4. Help to cool your home through the use of the air conditioning and fans, and keep the blinds closed to block the heat from the sun. If you don't have air conditioning, try going to a public place that does, such as a mall or public library.
5. Recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which are nausea, headache, clammy skin, and disorientation. If you feel any of these symptoms, try to get to an air-conditioned location to cool off. Call 911 if you don't begin to feel better quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't wait until you get thirsty to drink some water; sip on it continuously throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
• Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to the more serious condition of heat stroke if not treated promptly.