So far this summer, we have already experienced two heat waves. The last It left us temperatures as high as 46,9ºC in the Cordoba observatory or 45ºC in Écija (Seville). But not only in Spain, mercury is reaching extreme values, also in other parts of the world. In California, for example, in Death Valley there was an incredible 56,7ºC.
All in all, and taking into account that the planet is warming, one might wonder what is the maximum temperature that humans can withstand. Let's know it.
The values that thermometers show us are the temperature of the air at that moment. Although it is hard to believe, the thermometers that we find on the streets do not show real values, why? Because they are in full sun, without any control. Sometimes, they can give differences of up to 25 degrees Celsius with those of a meteorological observatory, hence it is so advisable to avoid worrying about them and look for the information we need in the observatories or, even better, in our own Weather Station.
But are we really able to withstand such high temperatures? Well, it depends. According diverse studies humans have a limit temperature of 55 degrees with normal humidity, and it could even be higher if the humidity is low. The reason is that if the air is extremely humid the water value can condense in the lungs, causing damage to respiratory enzymes.
Many of the deaths that occur during heat waves are caused by heat stress, either during days or weeks being exposed to long periods of moderate heat (30-35ºC), and not so much at the maximum values that can be recorded. If it is 40 degrees or more and you do not hydrate, it is easy for you to suffer a heatstroke.
Still, the best we can do is stay cool. 😉