What are the dangers of extreme temperatures?

September 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Understanding what are the dangers of extreme temperatures is critical for safeguarding your health during both scorching summers and frigid winters.

Quick Summary

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can disrupt the body's ability to regulate its internal temperature, leading to severe and potentially fatal conditions like heatstroke and hypothermia. Both extremes strain the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and can worsen pre-existing health conditions, affecting vulnerable populations most acutely.

Key Points

Identify the Dangers: Extreme heat can cause heatstroke, while extreme cold can cause hypothermia, both of which are life-threatening medical emergencies.
Protect Vulnerable Groups: Children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions are most susceptible to temperature extremes.
Stay Hydrated and Layer Up: Drink plenty of fluids in the heat and wear multiple layers of dry, insulating clothing in the cold.
Recognize the Warning Signs: Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, dizziness) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion) to act quickly.
Seek Safe Shelter: Use air conditioning during heat waves and find heated shelter during cold snaps to avoid prolonged exposure.
Avoid Alcohol in the Cold: Drinking alcohol can accelerate heat loss and inhibit your ability to perceive the cold correctly.

Extreme Heat: From Discomfort to Deadly Crisis

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is unable to cool itself down effectively, often exacerbated by high humidity. Prolonged exposure can push the body's core temperature to dangerous levels, leading to medical emergencies. The severity of heat-related illness ranges from mild heat rash to life-threatening heatstroke.

The Health Hazards of Scorching Weather

Heatstroke: The most severe heat-related illness and a medical emergency. Symptoms include high body temperature (above 103°F), hot/dry skin, rapid pulse, and confusion.
Heat Exhaustion: A less severe condition from excessive sweating and dehydration. Symptoms include heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, and headache. It can lead to heatstroke if untreated.
Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle injury linked to heat stress and exertion, which can damage kidneys.
Worsening Chronic Conditions: Extreme heat can worsen existing heart, lung, and kidney diseases, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Protecting Yourself from the Heat

Stay cool and hydrated by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks and avoiding excessive alcohol or caffeine. Seek air-conditioned areas during peak heat. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

Extreme Cold: The Risk of Freezing

Extreme cold can cause the body to lose heat faster than it can produce it. Cold stress affects circulation, risking frostbite.

Common Cold-Related Dangers

Hypothermia: Occurs when body temperature drops below 95°F and is a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms include confusion, shivering, and drowsiness.
Frostbite: Injury from freezing, causing loss of feeling and color in affected areas like fingers, toes, nose, and ears. It can cause permanent damage.
Increased Cardiovascular Risk: Cold constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure and heart rate, dangerous for those with heart conditions.
Respiratory Issues: Cold, dry air irritates airways, potentially causing wheezing and shortness of breath for individuals with conditions like asthma.

Strategies for Staying Safe in the Cold

Layer clothing with an inner moisture-wicking layer, insulating middle layers, and a protective outer layer. Stay hydrated and eat enough to provide energy for warmth. Avoid alcohol, which accelerates heat loss.

Comparison of Dangers: Heat vs. Cold


Feature	Extreme Heat (Hyperthermia)	Extreme Cold (Hypothermia)
Underlying Cause	Inability to cool the body effectively.	Inability to maintain body temperature effectively.
Most Severe Condition	Heatstroke.	Hypothermia.
Key Symptoms	High body temperature, hot/dry skin, confusion.	Low body temperature, shivering, confusion.
Impact on Circulation	Increases blood flow to the skin, straining heart.	Constricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure.
Effects on Nervous System	Confusion, altered mental status.	Confusion, impaired cognitive function.
First Aid Response	Move to cool place, cool body with wet cloths/baths, call 911.	Move to warm place, remove wet clothing, cover with dry blankets, call 911.

The Role of Climate Change and Vulnerable Populations

Climate change is increasing extreme heat events. Vulnerable groups like older adults, children, and those with chronic conditions are more affected by both extremes. Factors like lack of air conditioning or social isolation increase risk. Community actions like warning systems and cooling/warming centers are vital.

Conclusion

Extreme temperatures pose serious risks, from heatstroke to hypothermia. Understanding these dangers and taking precautions like staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and recognizing warning signs are crucial for safety. For more information, consult resources like the CDC's guidance on extreme temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Heat exhaustion occurs from dehydration and excessive sweating, causing symptoms like heavy sweating, nausea, and dizziness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency where the body's core temperature rises uncontrollably and the sweating mechanism fails, leading to hot, dry skin, confusion, and potential unconsciousness.

If you suspect someone has hypothermia, move them to a warm, dry area, gently remove any wet clothing, and cover them with dry blankets or clothing. Handle the person gently to prevent cardiac arrest and call for emergency medical help immediately.

Vulnerable populations include older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic health issues, and people who work outdoors. Socioeconomic factors and lack of access to proper cooling or heating can also increase risk.

Yes, climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme heat events. This leads to more heat-related illnesses, hospital admissions, and deaths, and can also worsen chronic health conditions.

During a heat wave, seek out an air-conditioned public place like a library or cooling center. During a cold snap, use blankets for insulation, seal off rooms, and if necessary, find a designated warming center. Always have an emergency plan and supplies ready.

No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol in extreme cold. While alcohol can make you feel warmer by bringing blood to the skin's surface, it actually causes the body to lose heat faster and impairs your judgment, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

To prevent frostbite, wear layered clothing, mittens, and warm, waterproof boots. Protect exposed skin by wearing a hat, scarf, and face mask. Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can restrict blood circulation and prioritize getting into a warm environment if numbness or loss of feeling occurs.