ADVERTISEMENT

Due to climate change, summers are changing. People today are facing more frequent, longer-lasting, and hotter heat waves than they did before. Not only does it mean that individuals are getting increasingly sweaty and need to crank up the air conditioning more often, but it also poses major and even deadly health threats. 

To show that extreme temperatures are no joke, our team at Bored Panda has compiled yet another list of striking photos of how heat waves affect every living creature and our surroundings. Scroll down to see how people are desperately trying to cope with such brutal weather, and be sure to share some useful tips you know for combating heat with others down below!

While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with medical expert Dr. Nicole Levine, MD, from Health Strive, who kindly shared some precautions that people should stick to in extreme heat.

#1

Rolled Up To My Parents' House To Find Them Giving Away Free Water For People And Their Dogs In The Excessive Heatwave In America. I’m Proud To Be Their Daughter

Rolled Up To My Parents' House To Find Them Giving Away Free Water For People And Their Dogs In The Excessive Heatwave In America. I’m Proud To Be Their Daughter

endlesseffervescense Report

You May Also Like:
#2

Stores In Turkey Open Their Doors To Stray Dogs To Escape Extreme Heat. There Is Also One On The Stairs That You Can't See Well

Stores In Turkey Open Their Doors To Stray Dogs To Escape Extreme Heat. There Is Also One On The Stairs That You Can't See Well

bzafs Report

#3

The Heat Has Them Lined Up For Water Today

The Heat Has Them Lined Up For Water Today

spudseyes Report

Even though heat waves are among the most dangerous natural hazards, they rarely receive adequate attention as their consequences aren’t immediately visible. 

“From my experience, people often downplay heat wave risks,” says medical expert Dr. Nicole Levine, MD, from Health Strive. “Possible consequences are severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These conditions can lead to serious health complications, including organ damage or even death.”

#4

Another Hot Summer Day In London

Another Hot Summer Day In London

SalimHathbul Report

Add photo comments
POST
dew avatar
DEW
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can relate. Last year I had 3 fans on me. It was hot to move from one room to the next.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

A Very Hot Day Today In The Center Of Rovaniemi In North Finland (Afternoon The Meter Was Showing +32°C). At The Beach, People Weren´t The Only Ones, Who Needed A Little Cooling

A Very Hot Day Today In The Center Of Rovaniemi In North Finland (Afternoon The Meter Was Showing +32°C). At The Beach, People Weren´t The Only Ones, Who Needed A Little Cooling

These are reindeer, the domesticated versions of caribous found in North America. They roam free in most areas around North Finland.

Pekka Niinivaara Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

117 Degrees In Arizona Today. Melted The Blinds In My House

117 Degrees In Arizona Today. Melted The Blinds In My House

DeliciousKing99 Report

Add photo comments
POST
batphace avatar
BatPhace
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can confirm. I live in PHX and it's awful. The "making cookies in your car" thing is accurate

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

One study found that from 2000 to 2019, almost half a million people died each year from extremely hot temperatures. This year (2024), the planet had its hottest day in at least eight decades and broke the record again on July 22.

#7

Life Hack

Life Hack

bndrvisuals Report

Add photo comments
POST
nicoleweymann avatar
Nicole Weymann
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a bútt ugly cover on my steering wheel for this. Is IS ugly, but it does the job.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Safe To Say This Is One Of My Favorite Customers, Greets Me Occasionally With Cold Water

Safe To Say This Is One Of My Favorite Customers, Greets Me Occasionally With Cold Water

Well, today he left three of them for me (two frozen)! Makes a world of difference in 97-degree weather... Thank you, sir!

The note says: "To mail lady or man. Thank you for delivering mail in such horrible heat! Stay hydrated and shaded when you can. Thank you!! 3 waters all yours."

coopin05 Report

Add photo comments
POST
cathleen avatar
Cathleen Cummings
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know if this is true everywhere in the US but in Birmingham, Alabama -- where it gets very very hot and very very humid -- the mail trucks do not have any a/c. Its tough on the mail deliverers.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

It's So Hot That My Rear-View Mirror Is Sliding Down The Windshield

It's So Hot That My Rear-View Mirror Is Sliding Down The Windshield

Hollowolf15 Report

Such brutal weather conditions resulted in severe water shortages and dozens of deaths in Mexico and Central America. In Pakistan, hospitals were overwhelmed by the high heat, with frequent power outages and water shortages in some areas. Japan also issued heart-stroke alerts as temperatures reached record highs.

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

During This Southern California Heatwave, My Local Grocery Store Has Coolers Filled With Complimentary Water Bottles At Each Entrance

During This Southern California Heatwave, My Local Grocery Store Has Coolers Filled With Complimentary Water Bottles At Each Entrance

eddrriley Report

Add photo comments
POST
missmali1969 avatar
Miss Mali
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow that is pretty awesome, especially considering bottled water cost like 4 times what a gallon of gas does!!!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Maybe A Wax Lincoln Sculpture Wasn’t The Best Idea During DC’s First Week Of Summer Heat

Maybe A Wax Lincoln Sculpture Wasn’t The Best Idea During DC’s First Week Of Summer Heat

kirk_bado Report

#12

We Are In A Terrible Heatwave. People Are Selling Used AC Units For $1000+ Online. Our Neighbors Just Installed Central Air So They Gave Us These Cooling Beauties

We Are In A Terrible Heatwave. People Are Selling Used AC Units For $1000+ Online. Our Neighbors Just Installed Central Air So They Gave Us These Cooling Beauties

a27j27k27 Report

“In extreme heat waves, you should watch out for symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea, confusion, and headaches,” says Dr. Levine to Bored Panda. “These symptoms could suggest heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which require immediate medical attention to prevent serious health complications.”

#14

Tales Of Heatwave Madness. The Floor Turned To Lava

Tales Of Heatwave Madness. The Floor Turned To Lava

MoukiKoutouki Report

Add photo comments
POST
markglass avatar
Lotekguy
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not safe, but it's a cool look. Stairs like a Dali watch.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

My Wife Is So Happy Her Contraption Worked After Leaving Her Flowers Alone For A Week In The 100-Degree Texas Heat

My Wife Is So Happy Her Contraption Worked After Leaving Her Flowers Alone For A Week In The 100-Degree Texas Heat

K1D_Dynamite Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Heat waves and their impact are much worse in the city, where the high temperatures are amplified by buildings, concrete parking lots, cars, and air conditioning units that radiate and emit heat long after the sun sets. The lack of trees and shade also greatly contributes to hotter city environments. This phenomenon is called the urban heat island effect and impacts 41 million people.

#16

This Bottle Of Sparkling Water I Left In My Truck All Day

This Bottle Of Sparkling Water I Left In My Truck All Day

hedwaterboy Report

#17

The Way The Sun Has Weathered This Sign, So It Looks Like Its Heavy Metal Style

The Way The Sun Has Weathered This Sign, So It Looks Like Its Heavy Metal Style

dave_wigwam Report

#18

It's 102 Degrees In NJ Right Now, Just Saw Someone Putting Ice Water Bottles Out For People At My Train Station

It's 102 Degrees In NJ Right Now, Just Saw Someone Putting Ice Water Bottles Out For People At My Train Station

Cheddar18 Report

Add photo comments
POST
aksauce14948 avatar
Boredest Panda
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you to random people who help other random people survive in the heat, the cold, and in general

View more commentsArrow down menu

That’s why it’s crucial for people, especially in urban areas, to take precautions during heatwaves. Dr. Levine recommends, “It is important to always keep your body cool and hydrated, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).  

#19

He Needed Sunglasses. My Neighbor's Dog Trying To Beat The Heat, And Sun. It's 91 Outside

He Needed Sunglasses. My Neighbor's Dog Trying To Beat The Heat, And Sun. It's 91 Outside

YZXFILE Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#20

It's So Hot That Even Cadbury Blocks Need To Sit Down

It's So Hot That Even Cadbury Blocks Need To Sit Down

Ors1 Report

#21

This Guy In His Cooling Fan Jacket In 36-Degree Tokyo Heat

This Guy In His Cooling Fan Jacket In 36-Degree Tokyo Heat

uzi1102 Report

It might be a good idea to limit your time in the sun in general, as sunburn reduces the body’s ability to release heat. To keep your home cooler, close the curtains during the hottest parts of the day and open the windows at night.

#22

My Son’s Watercolors Got Left In The Sun, And They Shrank Into Round Balls

My Son’s Watercolors Got Left In The Sun, And They Shrank Into Round Balls

studteaing Report

#24

My AC Broke. We’re In A Heatwave Of 100°F For The Next Week. She Keeps Taking All The Air

My AC Broke. We’re In A Heatwave Of 100°F For The Next Week. She Keeps Taking All The Air

Successful-Snow-562 Report

Don’t forget that furry pets struggle in the heat too. Dogs that walk on the pavement should wear protection from the hot surface and have plenty of water in their bowls. Cooling pads and doggy pools are also great options for cooling down your companion. For more on that, you can check out our previous article, where an expert veterinarian provided additional precautions you can take to protect them.

ADVERTISEMENT
#25

I Had To Let My Mom Borrow My Crocs Because Her Sandals Melted

I Had To Let My Mom Borrow My Crocs Because Her Sandals Melted

candydulce143 Report

Add photo comments
POST
travelingladyrailfan avatar
Traveling Lady Railfan
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is who I hate seeing people (with shoes) walking their dogs (no shoes) on the street/sidewalk. Their poor poor feet!!! If your dog's barefoot in summer and you think it's no big deal, you should be barefoot too

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Forgot The Dollar Store Air Horn In The Sun On The Dash Of My Truck

Forgot The Dollar Store Air Horn In The Sun On The Dash Of My Truck

mrstoness Report

#27

Sometimes, If The Heat Is High, Corn Can Be Infected By A Fungus That Causes The Kernels To Expand And Become The Delicious Delicacy Known As Huitlacoche

Sometimes, If The Heat Is High, Corn Can Be Infected By A Fungus That Causes The Kernels To Expand And Become The Delicious Delicacy Known As Huitlacoche

This is eaten, usually as a filling, in quesadillas and other tortilla-based foods and soups.

GoldenChinchilla Report

Add photo comments
POST
nicoleweymann avatar
Nicole Weymann
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure it's tasty, being a delicacy and all, but the look is really off-putting. My first association are deformed and over saturated ticks.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Lastly, we want to emphasize that high temperatures are no joke and can pose serious health threats, especially to more vulnerable groups of people like the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals struggling with heart conditions and other various illnesses. So be sure to be safe in this summer heat, and don’t forget to hydrate!

#28

A Pub In Loughborough Handing Out Free Ice Water In A UK Heatwave

A Pub In Loughborough Handing Out Free Ice Water In A UK Heatwave

Impromptu_Bagel Report

#29

Sun Through The Skylight Is A Direct Hit To The Record Player

Sun Through The Skylight Is A Direct Hit To The Record Player

jordan_chez Report

Add photo comments
POST
terybriggs_1 avatar
Shark bait hoo haha
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just go ahead and melt it some more and make a candy dish out of it. It will never play correctly again!

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#31

On Public Transport In Hot Weather, Take A USB Desk Fan. Most Buses Here Have USB Chargers For Phones. Plug It In, Turn It Upside Down, And Hang It On The Empty Seat In Front

On Public Transport In Hot Weather, Take A USB Desk Fan. Most Buses Here Have USB Chargers For Phones. Plug It In, Turn It Upside Down, And Hang It On The Empty Seat In Front

BloodAngel1982 Report

#33

My Vitamin Gummies Melted In The Texas Heat During Transit, And It's Not Eligible For A Refund

My Vitamin Gummies Melted In The Texas Heat During Transit, And It's Not Eligible For A Refund

I guess I'll get a spoon and chisel out a serving every day...

AlloyComics Report

#34

Burned Myself On My Seatbelt. Apparently, My Car Is 170 On The Dash Right Now

Burned Myself On My Seatbelt. Apparently, My Car Is 170 On The Dash Right Now

TakeMyL Report

#35

This Is How Hot It Is In New Orleans

This Is How Hot It Is In New Orleans

kschwa7 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jasonengman avatar
Jason
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Used to carry something to put under the kickstand in Florida for this reason. Especially on asphalt. Friends had their bikes fall over

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

My Neighbors Have A Fan For Their Dog Because We Are Melting

My Neighbors Have A Fan For Their Dog Because We Are Melting

brainlessbach Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#38

This Heat Is Wicked

This Heat Is Wicked

AllontheBoard Report

Add photo comments
POST
juliesnelling avatar
Julie S
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trust me you do NOT want to go on the London underground when it is hot

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Apartment AC Went Out During The Recent Texas Heatwave And Management Doesn’t Want To Fix It

Apartment AC Went Out During The Recent Texas Heatwave And Management Doesn’t Want To Fix It

emirrdz06 Report

#41

It’s Supposed To Be 108 Degrees Today And This Was Sitting At An Intersection In My Neighborhood. Thank You, Neighbor, For Looking Out For All Of Us

It’s Supposed To Be 108 Degrees Today And This Was Sitting At An Intersection In My Neighborhood. Thank You, Neighbor, For Looking Out For All Of Us

hoosermama1974 Report

Add photo comments
POST
catlips avatar
MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like you can bring your own cups. Super nice neighbor. We need more like this!

#42

Arizona Problems. Left My Credit Card In My Car, And It Melted

Arizona Problems. Left My Credit Card In My Car, And It Melted

nkemp1990 Report

#43

My Shoe Melted In My Room In The Summer Heat And, Now It Looks Like Caramel

My Shoe Melted In My Room In The Summer Heat And, Now It Looks Like Caramel

Beans_In_The_Dark Report

Add photo comments
POST
aksauce14948 avatar
Boredest Panda
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would you like some caramel with your shoe for extra stickiness?

View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

My Bottle Of Soft Gel Pills Melted Together In The Cupboard. They Are Now Impossible To Separate

My Bottle Of Soft Gel Pills Melted Together In The Cupboard. They Are Now Impossible To Separate

HooperHairPuff Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#46

Welcome To Australian Summer. Had To Pop My Hook In The Fridge Because The Handle Started To Get Soft From The Heat

Welcome To Australian Summer. Had To Pop My Hook In The Fridge Because The Handle Started To Get Soft From The Heat

Has anyone else had this problem? Had these for most of last year, but I guess they missed the heatwave (was 36°C here today - luckily not the 38°C it was meant to be)

Tense_Spence Report

#47

The Glass On Our Outdoor Furniture Just Spontaneously Shattered In The Heat

The Glass On Our Outdoor Furniture Just Spontaneously Shattered In The Heat

fishcakes1979 Report

Add photo comments
POST
zgutrnrkqijpbykmpl avatar
ZGutr
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That has been caused by something else. Glass does not break just by heat. Fast temperature changes can (t.ex. pouring hot water in a glass standing on a cold surface), but a sheet of glass lying in the sun? no way. Even if the sun slowly comes slowly over the glass lying in the shade it will warm gradually.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

Trying To Frost A Cake In A Heatwave Feels Like That Scene From A Sleeping Beauty

Trying To Frost A Cake In A Heatwave Feels Like That Scene From A Sleeping Beauty

Luckily, it turned out okay in the end, but there were many trips to the fridge and freezer along the way.

Bottomisbest Report

#49

The Heat Today Baked The Pine Sap Out Of My Newly Painted Deck

The Heat Today Baked The Pine Sap Out Of My Newly Painted Deck

phantomjellybeans Report

Add photo comments
POST
bishamoten avatar
Bisha Moten
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heat doesn't cause this. Untreated wood, which has been painted before it can fully cure... does. OP's deck is made with green, untreated wood, and wasn't sealed or allowed to fully cure and dry before they painted it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

So Hot Today That The Adhesive Holding My Dad's Phone Together Melted

So Hot Today That The Adhesive Holding My Dad's Phone Together Melted

roffe001 Report

Note: this post originally had 65 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda