L.A. Warns Record Humidity Is Driving More Heat Illness ER Visits
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Sep 8
L.A. Warns Record Humidity Is Driving More Heat Illness ER Visits
1 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Sep 8
Summary
Los Angeles County health officials said emergency visits for heat-related illness have risen during this summer’s heat wave as record humidity makes already high temperatures feel even hotter.
Humidity sharply raises heat stress because sweat evaporates less easily, forcing the body to work harder to hold its core temperature near 98.6°F, UCLA public health expert David Eisenman said.
Officials urged residents to drink water all day, avoid the hottest hours, move to air-conditioned spaces or cooling centers, and call 211 if they need help finding a cool place.
911 should be called for danger signs including confusion, fainting, hot red skin, a body temperature of 103°F or higher, a fast strong pulse, headache, dizziness or nausea.
The warning underscores a broader California heat-health threat that has intensified with climate change; a 2021 Times investigation counted 3,900 heat deaths in the state over a decade.