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W. Larry Kenney, Professor of Physiology, Kinesiology and Human Performance, Penn State

As heat records fall, how hot is too hot for the human body?

Outdoor workers face higher risks on hot, humid days. AP Photo/Swoan Parker

Extreme heat has been breaking records across Europe, Asia and North America, with millions of people sweltering in heat and humidity well above “normal” for days on end.

Death Valley hit a temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit (53.3 degrees Celsius) on July 16, 2023 – not quite the world’s hottest day on record, but close. Phoenix broke a record heat streak with 19 straight days with temperatures above 110 F (43.3 C), and had more in the forecast, accompanied by several nights that never got below 90 F (32.2 C). Globally, Earth likely had its hottest week on modern record in early July.

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