What is the hottest temperature humans can survive?

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What is the hottest temperature that a human can survive without dying? I’ve heard people are in certain parts of California and it 122 degrees Ferenheit. Is it physically possible for a human body to withstand that type of heat?

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26 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

I’ve lived in Phoenix for about 15 years, I can tell you what I’ve observed. Personally, I play pickleball (moderate intensity exercise) in temps over 100 all summer. There’s no shade, and you’re on what’s essentially a concrete court that makes it even worse. It’s definitely not the most pleasant thing in the world, but I never feel like I’m in any danger. It’s very dry here though and I sweat A LOT. I can go through a gallon of water in a few hours. My clothes are the maximum amount of saturation from sweat. Like if I dipped them in a pool, they would not become more wet, I’m not exaggerating. 

There are many people working outside during the day too (landscapers, construction workers, etc) and they all seem fine. Whenever I hear about someone having problems, it’s almost always someone not from here who goes to do something insane like hike up and down one of our mountains with only a 16 ounce water bottle. Don’t do that. Don’t even come here during the summer.

During the middle of the day, it’s often approaching 120 degrees or higher. The best strategy is to play a game like the floor is lava, except the entire outside world is the lava, and you have to move from air conditioned zone to air conditioned zone. If I had to be out in that heat for a while, I’m sure I’d be fine, it would just be really uncomfortable. 

In short, if you live here, are acclimated, in good health, and prepared with water, I don’t think you’re going to get hurt even in the hottest temps just from being outside, but you won’t be having a good time. If you can stay in the shade, that will help a lot. My front patio under the shade honestly doesn’t even feel that bad. Once you step into the sun though, you feel it. 

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