How dangerous is extreme heat?
Heatwaves can lead to heatstroke and dehydration .
Extreme heat is becoming more common around the world. From Europe to India, record-breaking heatwaves are affecting millions of people - but what is all that heat actually doing to our bodies?
Brain fog, poor sleep, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are just some of the ways extreme heat can affect our health. So when does hot weather become dangerous, and how can you stay safe during a heatwave?
BBC Health Editor and doctor Michelle Roberts explains how the body keeps itself cool, why extreme heat can become life-threatening, and who is most at risk. We also hear from some of you about how you're coping with increasingly extreme temperatures where you live.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler and Stefania Okereke
Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde
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Broadcasts
- Tue 7 Jul 2026 17:50GMTBBC World Service News Internet
- Wed 8 Jul 2026 02:50GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
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