This Summer Heat Wave Is No Joke, As These 45 Terrifying Photos Show

And you don't have to be standing outside in the sun during midday to experience the negative impact of unusually high temperatures. It can creep up on us in different ways.

For one, it disrupts our sleep cycles. If the temperature at night doesn't drop below, say, 77°F (25°C), our core body temperature rises, we sweat, and we can't fall asleep because of the discomfort. We spend less time in the slow-wave and REM sleep stages, resulting in poor-quality sleep.

Sweating is a good sign that our bodies are cooling themselves down. Yet, in humid climates, that can seem deceptive. Humidity stops our sweat from evaporating, thus preventing us from cooling down. The University of New South Wales climate scientist Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick says that hot and humid days are the most dangerous. "If it's hot and humid, your body cannot cope."

What are the most important things to remember during a heatwave?

1. Stay hydrated;
2. Have an air conditioner, an air fan, or go spend time at public libraries, museums, or shopping malls;
3. Cover windows with shades, reflectors, or drapes;
4. Wear light, loose clothing;
5. Avoid physical exertion;
6. Take cool showers or baths;
7. And don't forget to take care of your pets: give them plenty of water, provide cooling mats, and avoid walks on apshalt and very dark pavement.

How are you coping with this year's heatwaves, Pandas? Have you got any creative tricks up your sleeve? Let us know in the comments! And if you want to see how folks have dealt with heatwaves in previous years, check out our posts here, here, and right here!

Stay cool and hydrated, Pandas!