Heat and humidity are such iconic aspects of Florida weather that they are sometimes easy to take for granted. They may become topics of conversation with friends and family if temperatures become unseasonably high, or if humidity makes a walk around the block feel more like an unwelcome swim.

Importantly, heat and humidity can sneak up on a person and cause serious illness or even death. Whether people are only passing through Florida for a few days for a fun visit or have lived in the state for several years for work, and whether they spend little or virtually all of their time in the heat, they should be aware of heat-related hazards and possible impacts on their health.

According to an Ask IFAS publication from the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, environmental heat is a leading cause of death from weather or environmental factors. The publication discusses the definition of heat-related death, lists examples of heat-related illness, identifies risk factors and particularly susceptible groups, and provides important safety recommendations and resources to prevent heat-related illness and death.

To learn more about heat stress and health and safety, remember to Ask IFAS.

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