Record Heatwaves in Greater Poland. How to Protect the Body from Overheating and When to Urgently Call a Doctor?

Sunday, June 28, 2026, went down in the history of Polish meteorology as an extreme day. A wave of tropical air swept across the country, shattering existing temperature records. Although Słubice (40.5°C) and Toruń (40.3°C) became the official record holders, the African heat did not spare the capital of Greater Poland either.

In Poznań, mercury levels dangerously approached the 39-degree Celsius mark. Such extreme atmospheric conditions are not just a matter of discomfort - they are, above all, a massive strain on the human body and a real threat to health and life.

As the medical team of our clinic, we are observing immense interest in advice regarding safely surviving the heatwaves during these days. We know how much reliable medical knowledge is needed right now. Below, we present the key rules for defense against overheating and the red flags that require immediate contact with a doctor.

How to effectively defend yourself against overheating? (Rules for everyone)

When the ambient temperature exceeds our body temperature ($36.6^circ\text{C}$), natural thermoregulation mechanisms (mainly sweating) cease to be efficient. To avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion, prevention should be implemented:

• Proper hydration is the foundation: Drink still water before you feel thirsty. On hot days, an adult should drink a minimum of 3-4 liters of fluids. It is worth reaching for medium- and high-mineralized waters or adding electrolytes to them to replenish sodium and potassium lost through sweat.
• Avoid the sun during peak hours: Between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, radiation and temperatures are highest. If you don't have to, do not leave the house during this time.
• Listen to your body: Give up intense physical exertion, gardening, or outdoor sports during the day.
• Protect your home from heating up: Cover windows during the day (ideally with external rollers or thermal curtains) and ventilate the apartment only at night and in the early morning when the air is cooler.

Red flags - when does heat become life-threatening?

Overheating of the body can lead to two dangerous conditions: heat exhaustion and - directly life-threatening - heat stroke.

Many patients downplay the first symptoms, considering them "ordinary sun fatigue." However, there are situations in which you must not wait and should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance ($112$ or $999$).

Alarm symptoms requiring urgent medical assistance:

🚨 Pay special attention to the following symptoms in yourself or your loved ones:

• Disturbances of consciousness and behavior: Disorientation, slurred speech, aggression, dizziness, difficulty maintaining balance, or loss of consciousness.
• High internal fever: Body temperature rapidly rising above $39^circ\text{C}-40^circ\text{C}$, which does not drop after administration of typical antipyretics (in the case of heat stroke, these drugs do not work!).
• Hot, red, and dry skin: This is a key symptom of heat stroke - the body has stopped sweating, which means the thermoregulation system has completely collapsed.
• Nausea and intense vomiting: Preventing oral intake of fluids, which leads to rapid dehydration.
• Heart rhythm disturbances: A very fast heart rate (tachycardia) combined with a feeling of palpitations in the chest or a sudden, drastic drop in blood pressure.
• Convulsions or muscle flaccidity: Neurological symptoms indicating cerebral edema caused by high temperature.

High-risk groups

The above symptoms develop most rapidly in children under 4 years of age, seniors (who have a weakened sense of thirst), and people suffering from chronic hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease.

First aid before the doctor arrives

If you notice symptoms of overheating in someone, every minute counts:

1. Move the victim to a cool, shaded place.
2. Unbutton or remove tight clothing.
3. Apply cool (but not icy!) compresses to the neck, armpits, and groin.
4. If the person is conscious, give them water in small sips. Never give fluids to a semi-conscious or vomiting person!

Take care of yourselves and your neighbors during these hot days. In case of doubt regarding your health status, our team of doctors at the clinic remains at your disposal.

The content contained on the blog is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. In emergencies, always contact the emergency number 112.