Key Takeaways

Stay hydrated and wear breathable, sun-protective clothing

Ease into outdoor activities to avoid heat-related illnesses

Watch for warning signs like dizziness, confusion and cramps

THURSDAY, June 19, 2025 (HealthDay News) — As summer temperatures rise, a Houston emergency room doctor is sharing important tips to help folks stay safe while outdoors.

Dr. Neil Gandhi, an emergency medicine physician with Houston Methodist, says a mix of heat, humidity and extreme weather makes it especially important to be prepared.

“Don’t jump directly into the frying pan; take some time to acclimatize during outdoor activities,” Gandhi said.

He recommends easing into outdoor time by starting with short periods outside, then slowly increasing the time to allow your body to adjust to the high temps.

Water is the best way to stay hydrated in the heat, Gandhi added.

“Individuals will also need to remain vigilant about hydration to counteract increased sweating caused by high heat and humidity,” he said.

He added that sparkling water and water-rich fruits such as watermelon can help, too. But it’s best to avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can make dehydration worse.

Breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are ideal for hot weather, Gandhi said.

Spending time outside has many benefits, Gandhi said, including better physical and mental health. But take care.

“Sunburn can develop slowly and go unnoticed until it’s severe,” he said. “In addition to sunscreen, clothing with ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) can be another layer of protection.”

It’s also important to recognize when your body is getting overheated, Gandhi said.

He pointed out that people who work outside or attend summer festivals and sporting events are at greater risk for heat-related illness. So are young children and older adults.

Watch for early warning signs such as dizziness, confusion, muscle cramps and a lot of sweating, he advised.

“If you notice these symptoms in someone or experience them yourself, move to a cool place immediately, hydrate and seek medical attention, if severe,” Gandhi said.

More information

The Mayo Clinic has more on heat exhaustion.

SOURCE: Houston Methodist, news release, June 17, 2025

What This Means For You

As temperatures spike this summer, simple steps like staying hydrated and wearing sun-safe clothing can protect you and your loved ones.

It depends on the person, but most health experts agree that the ideal temperature for sleep is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. In the summertime, it can be hard to maintain this chilly temperature in your bedroom, especially if you don’t have an air conditioner or turn off your AC at night to save money on your energy bill. Here are some simple sleep hacks that you can use during the hot summer months to keep cool and minimize sweat while you’re trying to snooze.

10 sleep cooling hacks other than AC

1. Freeze your sheets and pillowcases

An hour or two before you go to bed, toss your sheets and pillowcases in the freezer, and no, they won’t come out stiff as a board. They will stay icy long enough to help you fall asleep without feeling overheated.

Read more: Best Cooling Sheets

2. Also throw your socks in the freezer

Along the same lines as freezing your linens, you can also freeze your socks for cooling relief. Extremities like your fingers, feet and toes are sensitive to temperature changes and play a role in regulating temperature. Keeping your feet cool can help cool down the rest of your body.

3. Use house fans to make your own AC

Fans are much more energy efficient and budget friendly than an air conditioner. They use about 1% of the electricity that AC does. So, take advantage of fans and strategically place them around your room. Try placing a fan next to your bedside with a bowl of ice water in front of it. The ice will create cold air that the fan will blow toward you. Next, face a window fan outwards to blow the hot air from your bedroom outside.

4. Use a wet towel layer

Lay a damp towel on your bed over your sheets to give your body some cooling relief while you fall asleep. I recommend that you lay a dry towel underneath the wet one to avoid soaking your mattress with water, which can damage the foam in your mattress. The towel won’t stay cold for the entire night, but it should stay cool enough that you can drift off to sleep.

5. Don’t sleep in the nude

You may see advice on the internet suggesting that you should sleep in the nude to stay cool. That might work if you sleep cool, but it won’t do much for you if you get sweaty. If you’re hot, it’s beneficial to wear lightweight pajamas (such as cotton) that can wick the moisture away. Otherwise, your body is free to sweat all over your sheets.

Paul Strowger/Getty Images

6. Use cooling bed linens

If a new mattress is out of your budget, you can opt for cooling sheets or pillows for relief. Search for sheets made with breathable fabric like organic cotton, linen, or bamboo. Bamboo absorbs sweat and helps you stay cool, and organic cotton does a great job of wicking away moisture.

7. Consider a cooling mattress

Many mattresses retain heat, especially beds made with standard memory foam. A mattress with cooling technology can actually make a big difference in how comfortable you sleep. It can either provide extra airflow and breathability or offer an actively cool-to-the-touch sensation that draws heat away from you, like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora.

Watch CNET sleep expert Owen Poole review the best cooling mattresses of 2025.

8. Block out the daytime sun and heat

Blackout curtains can prevent your bedroom from getting too hot during the daytime, especially in the summer. Not only do they keep your bedroom dark, but they also reflect heat, stopping it from entering through the windows, which can also help cut down your electricity bill.

9. Sleep on the first level of your home

The bad news for people in two-story homes or an upper-level apartment is that hot air rises, so the top story of your house will be warmer than the bottom floor. But you can beat the heat a little by sleeping on the bottom story of your home when you need relief.

10. Drink ice water before bed

Drink a significant amount of water before bed to try and counteract the night sweats. Also, avoid alcohol before bedtime as it can promote dehydration, making it more difficult for your body to regulate temperature and keep you cooler.

For more, check out our guide to natural sleep aids, the best way to take a power nap and how to train yourself to be a back sleeper (and why you should). If all else fails, these are our picks for the nest portable AC units.

It’s going to be extremely hot in Southeast Texas this week. Temperatures are expected to climb over 100 degrees throughout portions of the state, according to forecasters. chuchart duangdaw/Getty Images

A brutal early season heat wave is settling in over Southeast Texas, sending temperatures soaring and reminding everyone that summer in the South doesn’t wait for the calendar.

Temperatures across the region are expected to soar into the mid to upper 90s this week, with heat indices topping 110 degrees F in some areas. Houston could see record-breaking heat by Wednesday, as the mercury climbs to a scorching 97 degrees F—which, for anyone keeping score, is hotter than the inside of your parked car after five minutes in an H-E-B parking lot.

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The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for much of the region, including Houston, as a high-pressure system settles over the area, leading to clear skies, rising temperatures and increased humidity.

Hot temperatures this week with highs in the 90s and heat indices in the triple digits. NWS Houston/Galveston

“We’ll be flirting with record high temperatures today, tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the … well you get the drift,” the National Weather Service said in its forecast discussion.

In Houston, the heat wave is expected to peak on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 97 degrees F, potentially breaking the record of 96 degrees F set in 1961. The high-pressure system compresses air, traps heat and humidity, and prevents cloud development and rainfall, intensifying the heat. Winds from the Gulf will bring more humidity, raising heat index values even further.

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August-like heat and humidity through at least early next week.

Heat records likely to be broken.

Heat index values easily above 100 degrees this week. Possibly over 105.

Stay cool SE Texas friends! #HOUwx #GLSwx #BCSwx #TXwx pic.twitter.com/hOIsGhYuN6 — NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) May 13, 2025

The high humidity levels will make it feel even hotter, with heat indices expected to reach up to 110 degrees F on Sunday and up to 112 on Monday. Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

What You Need to Know Daytime highs in the upper 90s all week

Heat index could hit 110–112°F

Peak heat expected Wednesday

No significant rain or relief in sight

There won’t be much relief overnight, either, as low temperatures will only fall into the low to mid 70s. Beginning Wednesday, most of Southeast Texas will be in a level 2 out of 4 (moderate heat-related impacts) for heat risk, with some spots reaching a level 3 out of 4 (major heat-related impacts).

It was a picture-perfect Mother’s Day weekend in Houston, but don’t let the clear skies fool you — a major heat wave is settling in.

Starting Tuesday, Houston will shift from spring comfort to summer-level scorch.

Highs are expected to climb into the upper 90s by mid-week, with heat index values soaring above 100°F thanks to climbing humidity levels and full sun exposure.

“It’s going to feel more like late July than May,” KPRC 2 meteorologists said. “We’re tracking a strong ridge of high pressure bringing fewer clouds, more sunshine, and a big drop in rain chances.”

☀️ What to expect this week in Houston

Tuesday: High 94°F | Heat Index near 101°F

Wednesday – Thursday: Highs around 98°F | Heat Index 104–105°F

Rain chances: None through Friday

Sunset: 8:04 PM

⏱️ Sudden temperature jumps put stress on the body

Dr. Hillary Fairbrother, an emergency physician with UT Health Houston, says this kind of rapid warm-up leaves people vulnerable — especially those who aren’t acclimated to outdoor conditions.

“When we see a quick rise in the temperature outside, I think it catches everyone off guard,” she said. “We’ve had a really nice spring. It’s been very temperate. But as the temperatures get warmer… we all have to remind ourselves how to stay safe through the summer heat.”

She recommends hydrating well in advance — not just when you’re already sweating.

“Water really is the primary way to stay well throughout the heat,” Fairbrother added. “If you’re going to be outside to exercise or work, start hydrating the night before. Don’t wait until you’re already thirsty.”

🏞️ Eleanor Tinsley Park regulars stay ahead of the heat

At Eleanor Tinsley Park, just west of downtown Houston, Jalen Davis and Marlon McDaniel weren’t wasting time.

The pair, who work out together nearly every week, say they’ve learned how to train smart — especially when Houston starts to heat up.

“Water is essential,” Davis said. “You don’t have to be Hercules. Just start simple and build day by day.”

Their workout includes everything from running and push-ups to hill climbs and jump rope circuits. But both say preparation is what makes the difference when the heat sets in.

“If you’re just getting started, wear something light and take it slow,” Davis added. “Once you know what your body can handle, you can start pushing more.”

McDaniel, who prefers to wear heavier layers to increase his sweat and calorie burn, says it’s all about knowing your limits.

“Some people can handle that — some can’t,” he said. “If you’re new to this, hydrate, eat clean, and keep it light at first.”

The two say it’s not just what you wear or how hard you push — it’s how well you recover and refuel.

“After a workout, grab some fruit, get electrolytes in your system,” McDaniel said. “Watermelon, pears — it helps. You’ve got to take care of yourself.”

⚠️ Tips to stay safe in the heat

Doctors and trainers alike recommend the following:

Hydrate the night before a long workout or shift outdoors

Avoid peak heat hours (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.)

Dress appropriately — breathable fabrics for beginners, but be mindful of what your body can handle

Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning when possible

Watch for warning signs of dehydration: dizziness, fatigue, nausea, confusion, or rapid heartbeat

“It takes 7–14 days for your body to fully adjust to this kind of heat,” said Dr. Fairbrother. “So don’t wait — start your habits now.”

✅ Bottom line:

Whether you’re running hills at Eleanor Tinsley Park or just walking the dog — it’s not too hot yet, but it will be. Drink early, go light, and listen to your body.

With a slight frame, Min Woo Lee doesn’t look like he’d be one of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour, but he has been consistently in recent years. In fact, Lee, who hails from Perth, Australia, was seventh in driving distance a year ago, ahead of big hitters like Wyndham Clark, Jhonattan Vegas and Taylor Pendrith. This year, Lee is third on Tour in the stat, just ahead of Gary Woodland and Rory McIlroy.

And while distance isn’t always the key when it comes to scoring, at Houston’s Memorial Park, being long is certainly helpful, and Lee took advantage of calmer, soft conditions during Saturday’s play to charge ahead at the three-quarter mark of the event. In the process, he put himself in prime position to capture his first PGA Tour title, as the 26-year-old holds a four-stroke lead heading into the final day of play.

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Lee made very few bad swings on Saturday, finishing off the final two holes of his second round by making a birdie and par, then shining brightly on a Texas afternoon by delivering seven birdies and no bogeys in the third round, pushing his score to 17 under. Alejandro Tosti is alone in second at 13 under while three players, led by Scottie Scheffler, are five back.

Min Woo Lee uses hot putter to take Houston lead

And while Lee is known for his driver, he got the putter rolling well on Saturday, using a stretch of 10 putts in 10 holes to forge ahead of Scheffler and into the lead.

“Yeah, “I guess it was a little autopilot early on. Very solid day again. The last couple days were really good,” he said. “Today was a really long day, I need to get back into bed. But maybe that’s what I have to do, I might have to do two warmups, two physio sessions and maybe I can shoot 7 under all the time. No, it was great fun and very solid overall.”

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Because of the split start, Lee admitted he was tired after a long day of play, but he’ll be ready to go on Sunday, even if he thinks the schedule is unfair to players.

“I need a good night’s rest. It’s tough,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s controversial, but I talked to my fellow friends and we finished at 8 last night and we have to wake up at 5. The time from you to get off the course to have dinner, to go into your bed, you only have like five, six hours of sleep, so it’s not really healthy, I’d say. And I’m a great sleeper, and there’s guys that can’t sleep out on Tour and they have a tough time falling asleep. That’s it. But no, I think just a good night’s rest would be good. I’m proud of the way I handled myself today and hopefully I can do it again tomorrow.”

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Min Woo Lee takes Houston Open lead, calls schedule ‘controversial’