Summer 2025: Still Breaking Records… almost 

If you feel like every summer is now “the hottest one yet,” you’re not wrong. June 2025 was the third hottest June ever recorded worldwide — and one of the top 10 hottest in the U.S. too.  

It might have taken the top spot if not for an unusually cool summer along parts of the West Coast, including the Bay Area. That’s climate change in action: not just steady warming, but unpredictable shifts and extremes. Meanwhile, many states — especially in the South and West — are experiencing prolonged heat advisories and temperatures well above average. This isn’t just a hot spell. It’s a trend. 

This is our new normal: more days over 90°F, more nights that never cool down, and more strain on our bodies, brains, power grids, and even infrastructure (hello, melted airport runways). 

But this email isn’t about panic. It’s about adaptation — what we need to know and do to keep our bodies safe, our brains functioning, and our moods (mostly) intact. 

How Heat Affects the Human Body (And Why It’s Getting Harder to Cope) 

Our bodies were built to sweat — but only to a point. We cool ourselves by radiating heat into the surrounding air and through evaporation (sweat). But when the air is hot and humid, that process slows down. The moisture on your skin doesn’t evaporate as easily, your core temperature rises, and your heart and other organs have to work overtime. 

Once the “wet bulb temperature” (a measure that combines heat and humidity) crosses 95°F, the human body can no longer cool itself effectively — even in the shade, even with unlimited water. That’s the danger zone. And while this still sounds rare, more parts of the U.S. are skimming up against it more often — especially the Gulf Coast and parts of the Midwest. 

Heat-related deaths in the U.S. are already the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, and they’re likely undercounted. What’s especially worrying is how heat interacts with preexisting conditions like heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, as well as with medications that affect temperature regulation. 

But even when it’s not life-threatening, heat can still take a toll: 

• We sleep worse. 

• We think less clearly. 

• Our patience runs out faster. 

• Our bodies tire more quickly and recover more slowly. 

So if you’re feeling exhausted or extra sweaty this month… you’re not wimpy. You’re human. 

When It’s In Your Head 

There’s also a psychological burden to all of this. Heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can make us irritable, anxious, and prone to arguments (yes, really — there’s research). It affects productivity, focus, and mood. And for people without access to air conditioning or with jobs that keep them outside, the risk is not just physical, but financial and emotional. 

If you or someone you know is starting to feel overwhelmed, make sure you’re checking in on more than hydration — check in on each other. 

So, What Can We Do? 

A lot, actually. We just need to stop treating extreme heat like an inconvenience and start treating it like the health threat it is. 

• Plan your day around the heat: Avoid outdoor activity during peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Reschedule your walk or run to early morning or late evening. 

• Hydrate more than you think you need: That means water and electrolytes — not just soda or coffee. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind. 

• Dress like it matters: Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can go a long way. Breathable fabrics aren’t a fashion choice — they’re a survival tactic. 

• Know the warning signs: Dizziness, nausea, cramps, rapid heartbeat, confusion? Stop what you’re doing, find shade or AC, and cool down immediately. 

• Have a backup plan for outages: Make sure you have battery-powered fans, plenty of water, and a place to go in case of a power loss or broken AC. 

• Check on others: Older adults, children, outdoor workers, and people without stable housing are especially vulnerable in extreme heat. A simple call or knock can save a life. 

And a Little Silver Lining 

While there’s no sugarcoating the challenges of extreme heat, there are a few silver linings — especially if we use the heat wisely. 

• Controlled heat exposure (like saunas or heat training) has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and even mood when done safely. 

• Natural light and warmth can boost serotonin and vitamin D, which helps explain why many people feel mentally sharper and more upbeat in summer (despite the complaints about heat). 

• And for all its downsides, summer still gives us more time outside, more daylight to move our bodies, and more reason to slow down, rest, and check in with ourselves. 

We might not be able to turn the thermostat down on the planet just yet — but we can take care of each other and ourselves in the meantime. 

At Amaze, we’re proud to be your healthcare partner. We’re always here to help when you need us.