Just a few days ago it was sweltering heat, now rain, thunderstorms, and temperatures that are sometimes nearly 20 degrees lower. The weather change at the beginning of June surprised many people. While warm clothing, which had already been put away for autumn, is being brought back out, another question arises: How does our body cope with such abrupt changes?
The answer is: only with difficulty.
The human organism is constantly working to maintain its core temperature at around 37 degrees Celsius. This ability, known as thermoregulation, is one of the body’s most important functions. However, it consumes energy – and this is where the problem begins when temperatures show extreme fluctuations within just a few days.
After a week of summer heat, the body had already adjusted to warm conditions. The blood vessels dilated to release excess heat, sweat production was running at full speed, and fluid balance had to be constantly managed. Just as the body adapted to these conditions, the next challenge followed: cool air, humidity, and sometimes severe thunderstorms suddenly required the opposite.
For the body, this means hard work.
Medical experts estimate that the organism generally needs about a week to adjust to new temperature conditions. However, if another weather pattern arrives during this adjustment period, the system comes under additional stress. Many people feel this immediately. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, or a general feeling of exhaustion are among the most common complaints.
Currently, students in schools and universities are particularly affected as they are in the middle of exams. Those who already struggled to concentrate during the intense heat often do not feel refreshed by the subsequent cooling. Instead, the body now has to expend extra energy to produce enough heat and maintain its own temperature.
The transition from warm to cool is generally somewhat easier for the organism than the reverse. Nevertheless, the strain is noticeable. Many people feel completely “drained” during such phases. No wonder: the body is constantly working in the background against the external conditions.
A widespread misconception persists, however. Falling temperatures alone do not cause illness. Neither viruses nor bacteria particularly care whether it is 35 or 15 degrees Celsius outside. Colds are not caused by cold but by pathogens.
There is, however, a connection. When the body is stressed by strong temperature fluctuations, the immune system may function somewhat less efficiently. Pathogens that would normally be easily repelled thus find it easier to gain the upper hand. This explains why some people do indeed become ill more often after drastic weather changes.
Anyone wishing to best survive the current weather rollercoaster should therefore follow some simple rules. Above all, this means adapting to the new weather conditions and not falling into the trap of thinking that the heat of recent days is still in the bones. A light jacket can currently be more sensible than demonstrating weather toughness.
Equally important is drinking enough fluids. Many people automatically reduce their fluid intake as temperatures drop. However, the body still needs sufficient water to maintain metabolism and temperature regulation. A simple look at the color of urine provides a good indication of hydration status.
By the way, the most comfortable conditions for the human organism occur at temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. In this range, the body has to expend relatively little energy to maintain its internal balance.
This year’s early summer, however, is far from this. Between heat waves, thunderstorms, and cool air masses, the weather is currently showing its full moodiness – and our bodies are trying to keep up.
By C. Hatty