The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.
Heat stroke is life-threatening.
The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Another term for heat stroke. If a Heat Wave is Predicted or Happening Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity.