Arizona State University

Jennifer Vanos

Wednesday was an exception with dark clouds, humidity and some rain. But summers in the Valley are simply hot with average high temperatures well above 100 degrees — and there was the run of days we had last week with highs not far from 120.

Not everyone, though, is affected by heat in the same way.

There are some who can jog or hike in the hottest part of the day and, as long as they’re properly hydrated, not have any problems. Many others are better off staying inside an air-conditioned room or only being outside in the early mornings.

Jennifer Vanos is an assistant professor in ASU’s School of Sustainability. She co-wrote a report taking into account heat, climate change and individual physiology.

The Show spoke with her to learn what we have been missing by lacking more information about how specific people are affected by extreme heat.

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