The Effects of Extreme Heat on the Brain

"In general, even moderate heat elevation adversely affects the brain's reasoning power and thought patterns. As the temperature and duration of the heat wave increase, the brain's neurotransmitters suffer disruptions in their messaging of the signal from one neuron to the next. In reaction, the receiving neurons may fire too rapidly, too slowly, slightly erratically-it doesn't matter which; the results are disruptive effects on mood, memory, thinking, and sleep."

"Added to that is the loss of electrolytes due to sweating-leading to weakness, muscle cramps, and in some cases seizures. Additional heat exposure affects perception and behavior, especially clear thinking, sustained attention, memory, and rapid decision-making."

Climate scientists overwhelmingly agree that global warming is accelerating unsustainably, despite some public skepticism contradicting scientific evidence. Since 1988's first congressional climate hearing, every year in the 21st century has exceeded that baseline temperature, with each decade progressively hotter. The last three years (2023-2025) represent the hottest period in recorded instrumental history since 1850, and the past 11 years contain all warmest years on record. Beyond extreme temperatures, even moderate heat elevation significantly impairs brain function. Heat disrupts neurotransmitter messaging between neurons, causing irregular firing patterns that disrupt mood, memory, thinking, and sleep. Electrolyte loss from sweating causes weakness, muscle cramps, and potential seizures. Heat exposure additionally compromises perception, behavior, clear thinking, sustained attention, memory, and rapid decision-making capabilities.

Read at Psychology Today