Summer’s all about fun, but it can quickly turn dangerous if you’re not staying cool and hydrated all summer long. High heat and humidity can raise your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke — serious health threats that are often overlooked. 

Michael Lopez, DrPH, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service health specialist and assistant professor in Family and Community Health, shares practical tips to help you stay hydrated and safe in the summer.

Why is staying hydrated and heat safety crucial in the summer?

Whether on a beach vacation, by the pool or doing yard work, summer weather can negatively affect your health. Lopez said high humidity, along with elevated temperatures, can cause your body to sweat more as it tries to cool down.

When your body loses more fluids than it takes in, dehydration can occur. Consuming enough water and other fluids is vital for regulating body temperature, maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health.

Dehydration and exposure to summer weather can contribute to heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat stroke — the latter being the most serious, as it can cause permanent disability or death.