A smart, practical guide to safety in the Texas heat year-round.
If you’ve lived in Houston long enough, you know the heat doesn’t ease up simply because the calendar says it should. Triple-digit afternoons, thick humidity, and that heavy air can make even a short walk feel exhausting. What many people don’t realize, though, is how quickly that kind of weather can overwhelm the body, even if you think you’re used to it.
A teenager at football practice, a parent running errands, a grandparent tending the garden, heat doesn’t discriminate. Even strong, otherwise healthy bodies can get overwhelmed when the sun and humidity work against them. The warning signs aren’t always obvious, and they can show up faster than most people expect.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the signs, the science, and the small steps that make the difference between a safe day outdoors and a medical emergency.
Here’s What You Need to Know: Houston’s heat can take anyone by surprise. I’ve seen healthy teens, parents, and grandparents all struggle after just a short time outdoors. Watch for dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, or confusion. And if someone’s temperature climbs above 104°F, that’s an emergency. Cooling down and hydrating can help, but if symptoms don’t improve quickly, it’s time to get medical care.
Why Late-Season Heat Is Still Dangerous
Houston’s heat lasts longer than some expect, especially for those new to the area. The mix of high temperatures and sky-high humidity means your body works overtime to stay cool. For kids at sports practice, workers outside all day, or even families running errands, that strain can lead to serious illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 700 Americans die each year from heat-related illness. And locally, the Houston Health Department’s Summer Surveillance Dashboard confirms that heat-related illnesses continue to send patients to hospitals across Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties well into the fall.
Why Houston Heat Feels Different
Most of us know that Texas heat feels different than heat in other places, especially here along the Gulf Coast. But do you know why? It’s not just the number on the thermometer. There’s also something called the wet bulb effect, and while it sounds technical, it has a big impact on how your body handles hot, humid conditions.
Here’s the simple version: your body cools down by sweating. Think of sweat as your built-in air conditioner; it only works if it can evaporate. When the air is already heavy with humidity, that sweat just sits on your skin instead of carrying heat away. Without that cooling release, your body temperature rises fast, even if you’re not moving much.
That’s why a Houston afternoon at 95°F can feel more like 110°F once you add the humidity. And it explains why people can overheat even in the shade, because your body’s cooling system just can’t keep up.
The takeaway: When the humidity is up, heat illnesses can sneak up quicker than you expect, often without warning.
Heat and Houston’s Air Quality
It’s not just the heat and humidity that challenge your body in extreme heat; Houston’s air quality often drops when temperatures soar. High ozone levels and trapped pollutants can irritate lungs and make it harder for your body to stay cool. That’s why people with asthma, allergies, or heart conditions often feel worse on hot, hazy days.
The mix of heat stress and poor air quality can double the risk: your body struggles to cool itself while your lungs and heart are working harder than usual. If you or your child has asthma, it’s especially important to keep an eye on local air quality alerts before heading outside.
If you want a deeper look at how Houston’s air pollution ties into breathing issues and asthma flare-ups, we’ve broken it down here: Texas Spring Breathing Issues: Allergies or Asthma?
The Spectrum of Heat Illness
Not all heat-related issues look the same. Knowing the difference can help you act fast:
- Heat cramps: Painful muscle cramps, usually in the legs or abdomen.
- Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
- Heatstroke: A true emergency. Signs include confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and body temperature above 104°F.
The cramps are your body’s early signal to hydrate and rest. If you stay active without cooling down, exhaustion shows up as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, or nausea; your system is overheating and needs help. Left untreated, that can progress to heatstroke, when your body can no longer cool itself and core temperature rises dangerously. That’s when confusion, slurred speech, or even seizures appear. And in some people, heatstroke can set in suddenly, without the earlier warning signs.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Heat illness doesn’t just affect athletes or workers; it can hit anyone. But some groups feel the strain faster:
- Kids and teens in sports or band practice – their bodies generate more heat and often ignore early warning signs.
- Older adults – natural changes in circulation and sweating make it harder to cool down.
- Outdoor workers – construction, landscaping, delivery, and plant workers spend long hours in the sun.
- People with chronic conditions – heart disease, diabetes, and breathing issues can make recovery slower.
Anyone without reliable AC – in Houston, lack of cooling at home is one of the biggest risk factor
Small Steps That Make a Big Difference
The good news? Most heat-related illnesses are preventable. Keep these habits in mind:
- Hydrate before you’re thirsty. Water is best; skip the energy drinks or alcohol.
- Dress smart. Lightweight, light-colored clothing helps your body breathe.
- Plan around the heat. Try to schedule practices, outdoor work, or errands in the early morning or evening.
- Rest often. Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
- Check the forecast. Houston’s humidity can make it feel much hotter than the number on your weather app.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Don’t wait it out if symptoms are getting worse. Head to the ER if someone has:
- A body temperature of 104°F or higher
- Confusion, dizziness, or fainting
- Seizures or trouble staying awake
- Vomiting that prevents rehydration
- Signs of heatstroke that don’t improve with rest and cooling
Bottom Line
Houston’s heat doesn’t let up when the calendar changes. With hydration, shade, and smart breaks, most heat illness can be prevented.
But when symptoms take a dangerous turn, fast action saves lives. Family First ER is here 24/7 with no wait, real care, and peace of mind, so you don’t have to second-guess when it matters most.