How to cool down in hot weather when you feel your body overheating

• As temperatures rise, it's important to know how to beat the weather.
• Overheating can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
• Drink plenty of fluids and stay out of the sun when the weather is extreme.

Heat waves are sweeping the globe.

The Pacific Northwest, in particular, saw record-breaking temperatures this week, as cities including Portland, Seattle, and Eugene, Oregon hit over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for days in a row.

Many residents found themselves without shelter from the heat. (Houses in the region typically do not come equipped with air-conditioning.)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), higher temperatures are linked to respiratory problems and heat-related syndromes, which can be particularly deadly for younger children and elderly people.

Being vigilant about the signs of heat stroke and understanding how to prevent it can be lifesaving as temperatures continue to rise this summer.

Overheating begins with heat cramps, fatigue, and dehydration

The Mayo Clinic says there are three stages to heat stroke: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and full heat stroke.

The beginning stages of heat stroke may resemble the lethargy that comes with being out during a sunny day.

According to NBC News, you will likely start to feel tired, a little dizzy, and dehydrated.

Heat cramps, or muscle spams randomly around the body, are a telltale sign your body is beginning to overheat.

At this stage, the Mayo Clinic recommends taking a break from whatever activity you're doing to drink clear juice or something filled with electrolytes, massage the muscle, and wait until the cramps go away to do any strenuous tasks.

If you feel heavy sweating, headache, and nausea, the full effects of heat exhaustion are likely setting in

If you begin to get nauseous, have a headache, and profuse sweating, there's a chance your body has moved into the heat exhaustion stage of overheating.

Full heat exhaustion occurs when the body reaches an internal temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. This internal temperature can be harmful because it can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly.

The Mayo Clinic recommends moving into a cooler area, drinking water, and stopping all activity if you find yourself suspecting heat exhaustion.

Feeling confused or a complete lack of sweat could mean a more serious case of heat stroke that requires a hospital visit

According to the UK National Health Service, heat stroke normally occurs once the body stops shutting down organs due to the heat. People exhibiting signs of heat stroke typically don't sweat despite feeling extremely hot, have fast breathing, might have a seizure, or seem confused.

Heat stroke is the most dangerous and concerning phase of overheating because it can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Authorities recommend hospital treatment if you notice any of the symptoms of heat stroke.

Overall, it's important to stay hydrated, take cold showers, dampen your clothes, and avoiding the sun between 11 am and 3 pm in extreme areas to help prevent overheating altogether.