In June 2019, much of Europe was struck by early heatwave, with temperatures reaching nearly 46 Centigrade (115 Fahrenheit) in France, an all-time record.
A heat wave is characterised by extremely high temperatures over the course of several days and nights. They have significant impact on our daily lives – we feel overheated and tired.
When a heat wave strikes, many governments activate a “heat action plan”, advising those affected to drink water, avoid strenuous exercise, and stay cool. If not, one risks having a heat stroke, which can be potentially life-threatening.
But how exactly does the human body deal with such extreme temperatures, and why is heat so dangerous? Which organs are affected, and when could things take a turn for the worse?
The core temperature of the human body usually fluctuates between 36 and 38°C (97 to 99°F). Temperatures within this range allows biochemical reactions to proceed normally,
which is vital for proper functioning of cells and organs. The human body is also well equipped to deal with a variety of environmental conditions that might threaten its core temperature.
