What to Do on a 100 Degree Day: 10+ Ways to Beat the Heat
Extreme heat is gross and exhausting. And it feels just about impossible to escape the scorching temperatures.
Let’s look at what you can do on a 100-degree day and ways to sidestep the heat.
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Is 100 degrees too hot to be outside?
While it’s not always possible, you will want to avoid going inside and exposing yourself to temperatures above 90°F. So, absolutely, 100 degrees is too hot to be outside.
What to do in 100 degree weather?
It may feel hopeless in the sweltering temperature, but there are ways that you can beat the heat at least enough to get through it.
Wear the right clothes.
Loose and white are the rules of thumb when dressing for high temps. Hot days are typically sunny, and dark clothes suck that warmth up. Tight clothes naturally don’t allow you to sweat as much as you need to to keep cool. Cotton and light colors
Stick to light colors and linen or cotton-like fabrics when it’s 100° outdoors.
Sun-protective clothing
The heat isn’t the only danger on insanely hot days. You want to protect your body as much as possible from UV rays. Tightly woven fabric or synthetic fibers like polyester and rayon work as natural sun-blocking clothing.
Umbrellas are cool accessories in more ways than one, too.
Throw on some sunglasses.
Sunglasses have the benefit of being functional and fashionable. Throwing a pair on before you go outside will protect your corneas from heat and UV rays.
You will want to invest in a pair that blocks 99% to 100% UVA and UVB rays.
Don’t forget your head.
Find a hat matching your sunglasses to keep the practical but pretty theme going. Wide-brimmed caps prevent UV rays from reaching your sensitive face. The recommended brim or brill size is at least 3 inches wide for adults and 2.5 inches for infants and toddlers.
Heat also enters at the top of your head, making hats much more critical. You don’t want to get stuck outside on a 100-degree day with some head protection.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is necessary for short-term and long-term health, especially your skin. Anytime you’re outdoors, you want to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. For days spent at the pool, use higher-rated and waterproof sunscreens.
Apply sunscreen thoroughly to your nose, ears, shoulders, and the back of your neck. For lip protection, use an SPF-rated lip balm or chapstick.
Stay hydrated
The most significant danger of going outside on a 100-degree day is the threat of dehydration. Not drinking enough water does more than make you thirsty. Dehydration can cause organ failure and become fatal.
- Sip water throughout the day.
- Go with sugar-free juices.
- Avoid alcohol
Eat the right stuff.
Some food has natural properties that keep you cool on a 100-degree day.
- Fresh and frozen produce (watermelon, strawberries, gazpacho, tomatoes, coconut water)
- Spicy food (salsa, cayenne pepper)
- Low-fat & low-salt meals
- Ice cream
Play in the water.
The kids are home during the summer, and when the heat keeps you locked inside, things can start to feel crazy. Slather the kids with high-quality sunscreen and turn on the water hose and sprinkler.
Water balloons and water guns add another layer of fun and much-needed relief from the heat.
Not in the mood to get soaked? Fill up a spritz or spray bottle and keep your face and neck damp.
Know when to stay out of the sun.
During the peak hours of sunlight, the temperature and UV rays are at their worst. You will want to avoid going out between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
If you have to go out during those hours and overheat, get inside, drink water, eat a bite, and cool down. Sometimes, you may want to take a quick nap to refuel.
What to do when it’s too hot outside?
Sometimes, regardless of the precautions you take, going outside in dangerous temperatures isn’t possible. (Unless you have no choice.)
But taking a day to stay in isn’t all that bad if you make the most of it.
- Watch a movie set in a cold environment.
- Make some cool and fabulous mixers.
- Chomp on ice.
- Cold showers will cool you off.
- Throw a cold or frozen towel on your head or neck.
- Make a snowcone.
- Don’t leave the couch.
FAQs about Thriving in Heat
Is it OK to be out in 100 degree weather?
It is not advisable to be out in 100 degree weather as it can lead to various heat-related illnesses.
What temp is unsafe for humans?
The unsafe temperature range for humans is as follows: caution is advised at temperatures between 80°F and 90°F, extreme caution is advised at temperatures between 90°F and 103°F, danger is present at temperatures between 103°F and 124°F, and temperatures of 125°F or higher pose extreme danger.
How long is too long in the heat?
Engaging in strenuous activity on a hot day can lead to heatstroke in less than an hour. It is important to listen to your body and take breaks in a cool, shaded area if you start feeling overheated or dizzy.
Is 100 degrees too hot to walk outside?
It is generally advised to exercise caution and be mindful of your body when the heat index exceeds 90°F, as different individuals may have varying thresholds.
Can humans live in 130 degrees?
Humans cannot live in 130 degrees. At this temperature, the survival time of a human being starts to decrease significantly. However, it is important to note that the actual temperature at which someone might die can vary.
What temperature is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is indicated by a core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, which can be measured using a rectal thermometer. Symptoms such as altered mental state or behavior, confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, and coma can all be observed in individuals experiencing heat stroke.
How long can you survive in 120 degrees?
If provided with sufficient water and access to shade to prevent sunstroke, it is possible for humans to endure dry heat for several hours, even in temperatures reaching the 120s. However, it is important to note that this is not recommended by medical professionals.
How does 100 degree weather affect you?
The impact of 100-degree weather can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage to vital organs or potential death. Additionally, extreme heat can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions.
Can people live in 100 degree heat?
People cannot live in 100 degree heat. The wet-bulb temperature that indicates the highest threshold the human body can tolerate is 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius). However, temperatures exceeding 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) can pose serious risks and potentially lead to fatalities.
How hot is too hot for humans?
The body’s core temperature becomes dangerously high when it exceeds 104 F, and reaching 106 F can result in fatal heatstroke. Humans can adapt to hot environments over a few days, experiencing increased sweating, lower core temperature, and higher fluid volume.
What are the first signs of heat exhaustion?
The first signs of heat exhaustion include having cool, moist skin with goosebumps, heavy sweating, feeling faint or dizzy, experiencing fatigue, having a weak and rapid pulse, low blood pressure upon standing, and muscle cramps.
How to live in 100 degree weather?
Living in 100 degree weather requires taking certain precautions. It is important to stay indoors in an air-conditioned location as much as possible. It is also crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. When planning outdoor activities, it is advisable to schedule them carefully, avoiding the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, taking cool showers or baths can help lower your body temperature and provide relief from the heat.
How can I survive 100 degree weather without AC?
To survive 100 degree weather without AC, you can follow these tips: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Cool down by taking a cold shower or bath. Use cold washcloths on your neck or wrists to lower your body temperature. Increase air circulation by using box fans. Keep your living space cool by closing curtains or blinds. Opt for breathable linens when sleeping. If possible, sleep in the basement where it is usually cooler. Avoid refrigerating or freezing blankets or clothing.
What are the symptoms of too much heat?
The symptoms of too much heat include heavy sweating, cold and pale skin, clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, and headache.
What does hot weather do to your body?
Hot weather can have detrimental effects on the body as it hampers the body’s temperature regulation, leading to various illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.
Should windows be open or closed during heatwave?
Windows should generally be kept closed during a heatwave, especially during the daytime, to prevent the hot external air from entering the house and warming it up. However, as the sun goes down, the outside air will begin to cool down, allowing for the possibility of opening the windows for ventilation.
What to do when it’s too hot?
When it’s too hot, you can wash your car, which can be done alone or with a group. Additionally, you can make milkshakes, travel to the mountains, play games in the basement, drive with the AC blasting, play water games in the yard, go kayaking or canoeing, or go shopping.
What temperature is too hot for humans?
The upper-temperature limit at which the human body stops functioning optimally and starts exerting more energy to keep itself cool is between 40℃ (104F) and 50℃ (122F), according to researchers.
How do you cool yourself down?
To cool yourself down, you can stay hydrated, take a cold shower or bath, use cold washrags on your neck or wrists, use box fans, close your curtains or blinds, sleep in breathable linens, sleep in the basement, and avoid refrigerating or freezing blankets or clothing.
What not to do when overheated?
When overheated, it is crucial to avoid certain actions. Resting and allowing your body to recuperate is essential. It is advisable to steer clear of hot weather and refrain from exercising. It is also recommended to consult with your doctor to determine when it is safe to resume your usual activities.
How do you know if you’re too hot?
You can determine if you’re too hot by recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion. These signs may include excessive sweating and a fast heartbeat. Heat exhaustion is categorized as one of the three heat-related illnesses, with heat cramps being the least severe and heatstroke being the most severe.
