SoCal is baking. Here’s how to know the (crucial) difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke

High heat is scorching the Southland this week as temperatures reach triple digits in multiple areas.

Extreme hot weather is dangerous, just like other extreme weather events can be. Heat can take a huge toll on your health, even if you don’t immediately notice it, and can even be fatal. Here’s what you should know about the signs.

Listen to your body

Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Your body will start to give you warning signs about what you need when you’re in prolonged heat.

It’s essential to drink water often. If you feel thirsty while you’re outside, that’s a sign you’re already dehydrated.

Another thing to notice is the condition of your skin. Is it cold and clammy? Or bright red and dry? Seeing these signs is your body’s way of telling you which heat illness you may be developing, but either way that means you need to get out of the sun.

Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion

Heat stroke is one of the most serious heat-related illnesses, according to the CDC, and it could be deadly if left ignored.

It’s what happens when the body can’t regulate your temperature anymore. You’re unable to cool down as your body heats up fast, so a telltale sign is that you won’t usually sweat.

Instead, you might feel a throbbing headache and a strong, rapid pulse. You could also experience confusion, slurred speech and nausea. Your skin will likely be hot, red, and dry, accompanied by a high internal temperature (if you have a thermometer close).

If you are feeling symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 immediately because this is a medical emergency.