A few days ago it was still sweltering hot, but now there’s rain, thunderstorms, and a temperature drop of nearly 20 degrees. The sudden change in early June weather caught many people off guard. While warm clothing is taken out of the wardrobe again and seasonal apparel that had been put away is back in use, another question arises: how does our body cope with such a sudden change?
The answer is: with great difficulty.
The human body constantly strives to maintain a core temperature of around 37 degrees Celsius. This so-called temperature regulation ability is one of the body’s most important functions. But this requires energy — and when temperatures fluctuate drastically within a few days, problems arise.
After a week of summer heat, the body has adapted to the hot conditions. Blood vessels dilate to release excess heat, sweating increases significantly, and fluid balance must be constantly adjusted. Once the body has adapted to these conditions, a new challenge arrives: cool air, humidity, and sometimes severe thunderstorms require the body to react in the opposite way.
This is a heavy burden for the body.
Medical experts believe that the body usually needs about one week to adjust to a new temperature environment. However, if new weather conditions occur consecutively during the adaptation period, the body systems experience additional stress. Many people feel this immediately. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, or general weakness are the most common symptoms.
Currently, especially primary and secondary school students as well as university students in the exam period are affected. Those who already have difficulty concentrating in the blazing sun usually do not feel refreshed after the temperature drops. On the contrary, the body now has to expend extra energy to maintain sufficient warmth and keep body temperature stable.
The body usually adapts slightly more easily from warm to cool than the other way around, but the strain is still noticeable. At this stage, many people feel “drained.” It’s no surprise: the body continuously fights against changes in the external environment behind the scenes.
However, a widely spread misconception still stubbornly exists. A drop in temperature by itself does not make people sick. Viruses and bacteria do not care whether it is 35 degrees or 15 degrees outside. Colds are not caused by the cold, but by pathogens.
But there is indeed a certain connection. When the body is stressed by severe temperature fluctuations, the immune system may not function as effectively. Pathogens that are usually easy to fend off can take advantage more easily. This also explains why some people are more likely to get sick after dramatic weather changes.
Therefore, to get through the current weather “rollercoaster” as smoothly as possible, some simple principles should be followed. The most important of these is to adapt to the new weather conditions and not mistakenly assume that the high temperatures from the past few days are still lingering in the body. Wearing a light jacket at this time is more reasonable than showing a “tough” attitude towards the weather.
Adequate hydration is equally crucial. Many people automatically reduce their fluid intake when temperatures drop, but the body still needs enough water to maintain metabolism and temperature regulation. Observing the color of urine is a good way to assess the body’s hydration status.
The most comfortable temperature for the human body is around 20 degrees Celsius. Within this range, the energy required for the body to maintain internal balance is relatively low.
But the early summer weather this year is far from stable. Under the alternating influences of heat waves, thunderstorms, and cold air masses, the weather shows its changeable nature, and our bodies are working hard to keep pace with the changes.
Author: C. Hatty