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Woman drinking water from a bottle on a sunny day.
Photo: Linda Otterstedt, Johnér

High temperatures

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly more common due to climate change. How people are affected by high temperatures varies from person to person, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable.

Prepare for a heatwave

Some people are extra sensitive

People cope with high temperatures in different ways. However, certain groups are extra sensitive:

  • older people
  • people with chronic diseases
  • people with disabilities
  • young children
  • pregnant women
  • people taking certain medication

Pay attention to the weather

Find out the risk for heatwaves where you are or where you are travelling to. SMHI issues warnings about high temperatures through its website and app.

Adapt your home

Whether you live in a house or a flat, there are things you can do to adapt your home to cope with heatwaves and high temperatures. 

  • Have effective sun protection, such as awnings and blinds.
  • Get equipment that helps keep you cool, such as air conditioning, fans and an ice maker.
  • Let your garden flourish. Replace concrete paving and hard surfaces with shade-providing trees and vegetation around your home.

During the heatwave

Take care in the heat

The risk of health problems increases as the temperature rises. When the outdoor temperature reaches 26 degrees or more for three consecutive days, the risks increase significantly. 

  • Pay attention to the indoor temperature. Get an indoor thermometer if you don’t already have one.
  • Drink more water. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Keep in mind that people around you may need help staying hydrated.
  • Eat foods that contain high amounts of water, such as vegetables and fruit.
  • Avoid large quantities of sugary drinks and alcohol.
  • Create a cool environment. Use curtains, blinds and awnings to block out the sun’s rays. Air the room when it is cool outside.
  • Switch off heated floors, electrical appliances and lights.
  • Cool yourself down. A cold shower is most effective.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics; they are cooler than tight-fitting synthetic clothes.
  • Take it easy. Avoid physical activity during the hottest hours of the day.

Pay attention to your body’s warning signals

  • Increased heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Fever

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is usually enough to drink more fluids and cool down. Contact healthcare services if you think you or someone else has a heatstroke and is very unwell. Call 112 in an emergency.

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