What happens to the human body in extreme weather conditions of 40°C and 100% humidity?!

Arab Weather - With global temperatures rising due to climate change, summer heat waves have become more frequent in many parts of the world, including regions not accustomed to experiencing high temperatures, such as Europe, particularly in its northern regions and those close to the North Pole.

During the summer, we are exposed to harsh weather conditions that combine high temperatures and sometimes high humidity. But have you ever imagined what happens to the human body when the temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius with 100% relative humidity?

These weather conditions are not only uncomfortable, but they also create a lethal environment that can lead to body collapse within minutes. When the air is saturated with humidity and temperatures soar, the body loses its natural ability to cool itself through sweating, leading to a rapid rise in internal temperature. This can lead to heatstroke, brain damage, or even death.

The difference between the recorded and felt temperature

First, we must differentiate between the temperature recorded at an altitude of 2 meters above sea level and the perceived temperature that we feel, which is as follows:

• Recorded temperature is the actual temperature recorded by meteorological stations and is usually measured at an altitude of 2 meters above sea level.
• Perceived temperature is the temperature we feel. It is variable and varies depending on the weather conditions, such as wind and humidity. It also varies from person to person. In the summer, the feeling of heat is doubled with the presence of a hot air mass accompanied by high humidity. For example, at a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 70%, the temperature will feel as if it is 35 degrees Celsius or higher.

What happens to the human body in extreme weather conditions of 40°C and 100% saturated humidity?!

If we imagine that the actual temperature is 40°C and the humidity is 100% saturated, in this case the heat will feel like 80°C or even more, which is something the human body cannot tolerate. In normal conditions, the body relies on sweating to cool itself. At 100% humidity, the air is completely saturated with water vapor, which prevents the evaporation of sweat and closes the skin pores. This may lead to the body's natural cooling system stopping and the internal body temperature rising rapidly.

Body temperature begins to rise above 38.5-40 degrees Celsius. At 41 degrees, enzymes in the body begin to break down and vital organs begin to fail. Without prompt intervention, coma, permanent brain damage, or death may occur.

The body will try to compensate for the heat by increasing blood flow to the skin, which puts pressure on the heart and may lead to a sharp drop in blood pressure or a rapid heartbeat.

immediate physical symptoms

• Dizziness and severe headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Heavy sweating at first, then sudden dehydration when the sweating stops.
• Confusion and loss of concentration.
• Hallucinations and loss of consciousness.

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