Why do people die in heatwaves?

[Workingman]

I have worked in many places where the average temps got to the upper 30s to mid 40s for long periods and I think that I might have a clue.

Those not used to such heat tend to dress down - T shirts, shorts, flip-flops - and often man-made fabrics. Locals and expats who have been there a while opt for natural (wicking) fibres, flowing or loose fitting clothes and always, always, some form of head gear be it a scarf or wide brimmed hat. A spritz spray or hand fan helps as well.

Just drinking plenty of water and sitting in the shade is rarely enough - it is still HOT!

Unfortunately the old and vulnerable will always suffer, but the rest can cope if they are sensible.

[Suff]

As you allude to above, quite simply, people don't know how to cope. So they do what they do at home. Even the absolute worst things like drinking loads of beer then jumping in cool water. That kills someone every year in the UK.

People from temperate countries deal badly with extreme heat. As is evidenced every time we have a prolonged heatwave. Besides addling your brains with the heat, it also thickens the blood (hence fluids) and makes the heart work harder. Anyone vulnerable to heart conditions should be drinking anywhere from 3-6 litres of water a day when the heat spikes. They also need to know that alcohol is a dehydrating agent. Double the water if you want to drink too.

When my Son in law was at a hang gliding retreat in Spain they were living in nylon tents and suffering. The locals turned up and put up a huge metal frame. They covered the metal frame in brown hessian material and then sprayed water all over it. He asked to go inside and the evaporation of the water was keeping the whole area cool. They sprayed the outer skin several times a day.

As we used to say in the Army. Any fool can rough it.