Athletes at Risk
Athletes in particular, face the danger of heat-related illness when high-intensity exercise occurs during warm, humid weather. During exercise the heat production in the body can increase dramtically.
As the outside temperature rises above skin temperature, the body absorbs yet more heat. We depend on the evaporation of sweat to combat rising body temperature but high humidity levels prevent the evaporation process.
The result - an athlete literally begins to "cook". The core body temperature continues to climb, performance suffers. Attempting to push the body to perform under these conditions can lead to tragic consequences. As heat illness sets in, an athlete's judgement becomes impaired and they do not realize the danger they are in. Highly competitive individuals are especially at risk. Heat stroke is one of the primary causes of activity-related deaths in high school athletes.
Many young athletes compound the risk by starting training or competition already dehydrated. Dehydration increases the risk of heat stress. As an athlete sweats, fluid is lost that must be replaced. Drinking enough fluids before, during, and after sports activities can help prevent heat illnesses. See our hydration tips for more information.
Before beginning intense training, slowly get use to the heat over a couple of weeks or more. Allowing your body time to adapt to the heat will impove your performance and lower the risk of heat illness. Obese and unacclimatized participants are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.
When training with gear (helmets, pads, etc.), remove the equipment during breaks to aid cooling. Just as wearing a hat in winter keeps your head warm, the same is true of head gear in summer.
Athletes are not the only ones at risk. Consider other activities such as marching band practices where band members may be performing in heavy, dark-colored uniforms. See the Additional Resources page for more information.
The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is obtained daily from National Weather Service temperature and humidity readings taken under normal conditions at area airports. Please understand that this number can vary depending on location. Guidelines summarize approaches for the prevention of the detrimental effects of children's activity in hot or humid climates, including the prevention of exercise-induced dehydration.