Northern California heat illnesses: What to know about heat exhaustion, heatstroke and rashes
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Updated: 11:06 AM PDT Jul 31, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Daniel Macht
Digital Media Manager
Jonathan Ayestas
Senior Digital Producer
Northern California heat illnesses: What to know about heat exhaustion, heatstroke and rashes
Updated: 11:06 AM PDT Jul 31, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Daniel Macht
Digital Media Manager
Jonathan Ayestas
Senior Digital Producer
The first heat wave of the summer arrives in Northern California on Friday
Those sensitive to heat or who spend extended amounts of time outdoors could be susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Consider dressing in loose, light-colored fabrics
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are several kinds of heat-related illnesses to watch out for. Here’s info about them and what to do if you experience symptoms:
Heat cramps
- These can arise when you exert yourself outside on a hot day
- Noticeably tired/crampy. You could have muscle pain or spasms.
What to do: Head to a cool area, get hydrated with water or a sports drink and take it easy the rest of the day. Get medical help if your cramps last more than an hour, you’re on a low-sodium diet or have heart problems
Heat exhaustion
- A fast, weak heart rate
- Profuse sweating
- Cold, pale or clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
What to do: Get to a cool area, loosen your clothes, put a cool, wet cloth on your body, or take a cool bath, and sip water. Call 911 if necessary, especially for people with underlying health conditions. You should also get medical help if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour
Heat stroke
- A body temperature that is 103 degrees or higher
- Hot, noticeably dry or red skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Passing out
What to do: First responders recommend calling 911 right away because heatstroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cool place and lower their temperature with a cool cloth or a cool bath. Do not give them anything to drink
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Sunburns and heat rashes
Sunburns can be painful, with red and warm skin or have blisters. Heat rash is red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples and usually present on the neck, chest, groin or in the crease of your elbow
What to do: You can stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals or put cool cloths on sunburned areas to get relief. Moisturizing lotion can also help, but you shouldn’t break blisters. For heat rash, stay in a cool, dry place. You can use baby powder on the rash for relief
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