Whew … the summer of 2018 was a scorcher. In fact, 2018 is on pace to be the fourth hottest year on record, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The three years that have been hotter were 2015, 2016, and 2017. However, it’s not all fun in the sun, as heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S., according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
People exposed to extreme heat can suffer from potentially deadly illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hot temperatures can also contribute to deaths from heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular disease, per the EPA. Additionally, certain population groups face higher risks of heat-related death, including adults aged 65 and older; children, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults; and people with cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.