---
title: "Understanding Heat-Related Illness as Charleston Faces Summer Temperatures"
url: https://www.herecharleston.com/2026/08/02/understanding-heat-related-illness-charleston/
date: 2026-08-02T18:56:21+00:00
modified: 2026-08-02T18:56:21+00:00
author: "Oswaldo Palma"
categories: ["National"]
site: "HERE Charleston"
attribution: "HERE Charleston"
---

# Understanding Heat-Related Illness as Charleston Faces Summer Temperatures

*Source: [HERE Charleston](https://www.herecharleston.com/2026/08/02/understanding-heat-related-illness-charleston/) — August 2, 2026 by Oswaldo Palma*

Charleston, like much of the Lowcountry, experiences prolonged periods of hot and humid weather, creating conditions ripe for heat-related illnesses. These conditions can range from mild discomforts like heat cramps and heat rash to severe, potentially fatal emergencies such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Medical professionals emphasize that understanding the progression and symptoms of these conditions is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. Heat cramps, often the first sign of trouble, are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that typically occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. They are caused by a loss of salt and water from the body and usually affect the abdomen, arms, or legs.

Heat rash, another common ailment in humid climates, manifests as clusters of small red bumps on the skin, often in areas where sweat collects, such as the neck, chest, groin, or elbow creases. It occurs when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. While uncomfortable, heat rash is generally not serious.

More concerning is heat exhaustion, which can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin, fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache, and fainting. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke represents the most severe form of heat-related illness and is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. It occurs when the body’s core temperature rises rapidly and the body’s cooling system fails. Normal core body temperature is typically around 98.6 °F (37 °C), but in cases of heat stroke, it can soar to 103° to 104 °F (39.4° to 40 °C). Symptoms include a hot, red, dry or moist skin, a fast and strong pulse, headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. Rectal temperature measurement is recommended for accurate assessment of overheating, as oral, axillary, and tympanic measurements can be unreliable in these critical situations.

Dehydration is a significant contributing factor to all forms of heat-related illness. It occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Early signs of dehydration include thirst, dizziness, and fatigue. A key indicator of heat-related dehydration is making less urine that is darker than normal; healthy urine is typically light yellow and produced in normal amounts. Maintaining adequate hydration is paramount, especially for individuals spending time outdoors in Charleston’s summer climate.

Certain populations are at a significantly higher risk. The very young and the very old are particularly vulnerable due to their bodies’ less efficient ability to regulate temperature. Infants and young children may not be able to communicate their discomfort or access fluids independently, while older adults may have underlying health conditions or take medications that impair their body’s response to heat. Individuals who engage in prolonged exertional outdoor work, such as those at Joint Base Charleston, The Boeing Company’s South Carolina facility, or various construction sites around Charleston County, face elevated risks. Similarly, intense athletes, including students participating in summer training programs at institutions like the College of Charleston or The Citadel, must take precautions to prevent heat-related illness.

Studies have consistently documented increased emergency department visits and hospital admissions for dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other heat-related illnesses during periods of high heat. Healthcare providers at facilities such as the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Roper St. Francis Healthcare are accustomed to treating these conditions, underscoring the importance of public awareness and preventive measures.

### Why it matters in Charleston

For Charleston, the persistent summer heat and humidity are not merely a discomfort but a significant public health concern. The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), a major employer and healthcare provider in the region, frequently sees patients suffering from the spectrum of heat-related conditions. The presence of a large elderly population, numerous outdoor workers, and active recreational areas like Marion Square and Riverfront Park means that a substantial portion of the community is regularly exposed to risk. Understanding the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, and the critical need for prompt medical attention, directly impacts the health and safety of individuals across Charleston, helping to mitigate severe outcomes and reduce the strain on local emergency services during peak summer months.