Heat Illness (Sunstroke)

Your body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating just isn’t enough. Your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and you can develop a heat illness. 

Most heat illnesses occur from staying out in the heat too long. Exercising too much for your age and physical condition are also factors. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk. 

Drinking fluids, replenishing salt and minerals, and limiting time in the heat can help.

Heat-Related Illnesses

  • Heatstroke: A life-threatening illness in which body temperature may rise above 106° F in minutes; symptoms include dry skin, rapid, strong pulse and dizziness.
  • Heat exhaustion: An illness that can precede heatstroke; symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid breathing and a fast, weak pulse.
  • Heat cramps: Muscle pains or spasms that happen during heavy exercise.
  • Heat rash: Skin irritation from excessive sweating.

HEAT ALERTS: Know the difference

  • HEAT OUTLOOK (Minor): Excessive heat event in 3 to 7 days
  • HEAT WATCHES: Excessive heat event in 12 to 48 hours
  • HEAT WARNING/ADVISORY (Major): Excessive heat event in next 36 hours

Cooling Centers

Call before you go to make sure the cooling center is open. Click here for a list of locations in Madison County.  Click here for the NYSDOH list for centers in other areas. 


Updated April 28, 2023