How to Cope with Extreme Heat

To cope with extreme heat, the most important steps are staying indoors during peak afternoon hours, keeping your home consistently cool, staying hydrated, and ensuring you have a reliable power source to run cooling appliances even when the grid goes down. According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, that preparation has never been more urgent: the official Summer 2026 outlook, released May 21, projects above-normal temperatures across most of the United States, including the West, the Great Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the East Coast, and the majority of Alaska. 

The Pacific Northwest holds the highest forecast confidence for extreme heat, driven by a strengthening El Niño pattern that is expected to intensify throughout the season. AccuWeather's independent forecast reaches the same conclusion: virtually no region in the contiguous U.S. is predicted to see below-average temperatures this summer, with Western states like California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington facing the most severe heat waves alongside drought conditions and an elevated wildfire threat.

Preparation is what separates a dangerous heat wave from a manageable one, and that preparation starts with making sure your home doesn't lose power when temperatures peak. Heat waves routinely overload the power grid, and a very high temperature during a blackout is a life-threatening situation, especially for children, seniors, and anyone with a medical condition. Jackery Solar Generators give your household a backup power supply that runs independently of the grid, keeping your air conditioner, fans, refrigerator, and medical devices running through the hottest days of the year.

Takeaways

• NOAA's Climate Prediction Center projects above-normal temperatures across most of the U.S., including the West, Great Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, East Coast, and Alaska, with the Pacific Northwest carrying the highest heat confidence on the map.
• Before extreme heat arrives, prepare your home and power supply. With El Niño expected to strengthen throughout the summer and 90°F (32.2°C) days forecast for major cities including Boston, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, getting ahead of the heat means stocking up on essentials, weatherproofing your space, and securing a reliable backup power source before the grid comes under pressure.
• During a heat wave, staying cool and powered up are your two biggest priorities. Western states, such as California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, face the most intense conditions this summer, with back-to-back heat waves, drought, and wildfire risk all expected to strain local infrastructure and trigger outages at the worst possible time.
• After the extreme heat passes, assess the damage and restock what you used. Extended heat events deplete supplies, stress appliances, and can leave your home's cooling systems overworked, making the recovery window the right time to recharge your power station, replenish emergency supplies, and review what worked in your preparation plan.

What’s Considered Extreme Heat?

Extreme heat can be defined as above-average summertime temperatures and humidity. In other words, ‘extreme heat’ is any time temperatures rise above the average during the summer months of the year. While rare, heatwaves can occur outside the usual months. Especially in areas of higher humidity, it’s a good idea to watch the weather for abnormal temperature spikes.

How Does Extreme Heat Happen?

Extreme heatwave is caused by a system of high pressure moving over an area and staying in place for two or more days. As a result, this causes a rise in temperature at ground level. This weather pattern, when coupled with high humidity, can cause temperatures to additionally feel much hotter than they are. So be sure to pay close attention to your local weather stations.

What to Do Before a Heatwave?

Before a heatwave hits, there is a simple list of supplies that can help you weather the high temperatures. Having these items on hand can help avoid the unpleasant side effects of being caught off-guard by the spike in temperatures.

Supplies to gather before a period of extreme heat:

• Cold Packs

• Loose-fitting/lightweight clothing

• Blackout curtains/tin foil (to put on or across windows)

• A backup power source (such as Jackery Portable Power Stations) in case of a power grid failure

• Plenty of water

• Supply of medications

• Sunscreen

Ideally, get errands and any outside work done before the spike in temperatures. It’s best to stay indoors where it’s cool during a heatwave.

What to Do During a Heatwave?

During a heatwave, the primary goal should be to stay cool. This means staying inside, in the shade, and staying hydrated. Having blackout curtains (or tin foil, in a pinch) ready to go on the windows as the temperature starts to rise is a sure-fire way to keep cool in addition to AC.  Even with adequate preparation, you should avoid outdoor exercise and unnecessary exertion. As the power can fail during this time due to the infrastructure being strained, having a backup power source is essential. Personal CPAP machines, mini- fridge, portable air conditioners can be powered with the help of essential home backup solutions, such as Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus  and Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus.

Recommended Jackery Solar Generators for Extreme Heat Power Outages

When extreme heat strikes, your ability to stay cool depends entirely on having power. Air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, and medical devices all stop working the moment the grid goes down, and in a heat wave, it's a health emergency. Jackery Solar Generators are built for exactly this scenario, providing your home with a reliable, solar-powered backup that operates independently of the grid, keeping your family protected no matter how long the heat lasts or how strained the power system becomes. The solar generator bundle has a power station and solar panels, so you don't have to worry about extended power outages. 

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus + SolarSaga 500X Solar Panel

When the grid fails on the hottest day of the year, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus keeps your home running. It can handle your air conditioner, refrigerator, and fans for hours, and the solar panel recharges the power station in a few hours using sunlight alone, so you're not left waiting for utility crews to restore power. This essential home backup power solution features a pull rod and double wheels so you can easily move the power station from one room to another. 

Appliances Running Time

• Portable Fan (150W) = 17.7H
• Refrigerator (300W) = 9.5H
• AC (1000W) = 3.0H
• Mini Cooler (100W) = 25.0H
• Ice Maker (300W) = 9.5H

Who Should Buy This

If you live in a region prone to summer heat waves, have elderly parents, young children, or anyone with a health condition at home, or want a solar-powered backup that can carry your household through a heat-related outage without depending on an already-stressed power grid, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus is the right choice for you.

Customer Review

We just got this over the past month. Fully charged it initially by plugging into the house electric and also solar. It was great. We used it down almost all the way by charging a refrigerator to it for three days and then recharged it fully using only the solar panels.

— Derrenfletcher.

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus + SolarSaga 500X + Battery Pack 3600

A single day's outage is one thing, and a multi-day heat wave with no grid power is another entirely. Adding the Jackery Battery Pack 3600 doubles your storage to 7168Wh, giving your household enough capacity to run cooling appliances through the night and well into the next day. The solar panel in the bundle keeps restoring your reserves throughout the day, so by the time evening temperatures finally drop, your battery is already full and ready for whatever comes next. For families who simply cannot afford a gap in cooling, this combination closes that gap completely.

Appliances Running Time

• Portable Fan (150W) = 35.4H
• Refrigerator (300W) = 19.0H
• AC (1000W) = 6.0H
• Mini Cooler (100W) = 50.0H
• Ice Maker (300W) = 19.0H

Who Should Buy This

If you experience prolonged heat waves that stretch across multiple days, have a larger household where keeping cooling appliances running overnight is essential, or live in an area where summer grid outages tend to last longer than a few hours, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus with Battery Pack 3600 gives you the staying power to outlast the heat.

Customer Review

Kept my house powered all night during a blackout. Everything works as intended. Thank you.

— Daniel H.

Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus + 2× SolarSaga 500X Solar Panel

For larger homes that need to power multiple rooms during a heat wave outage, the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus is the most capable option in the lineup. Its large capacity and high output mean it can run your central air conditioner, refrigerator, fans, and other essential appliances all at the same time, keeping your household comfortable. The solar panels working in tandem cut recharge time in half, so even after consecutive scorching days, you wake up each morning with a strong reserve ready to go. It's also expandable up to 60kWh, making it a long-term investment that grows with your household's needs through every heat season ahead.

Appliances Running Time

• Portable Fan (150W) = 21.4H
• Refrigerator (300W) = 12.2H
• AC (1000W) = 4.1H
• Mini Cooler (100W) = 28.6H
• Ice Maker (300W) = 12.2H

Who Should Buy This

If you have a large home, need to run multiple high-wattage cooling appliances simultaneously, want the most robust heat wave protection available, or live somewhere with a long, unpredictable extreme heat season, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is the reliable home battery backup solution built for you.

Customer Review

I live in the mountains in a forest-urban ecotone. We have been having many power outages due to heavy snows, fires, failing infrastructure, high winds, etc. I needed a simple solution to power a small number of electrical devices during an outage, including my well pump. The 5000 plus fit the bill well. Easy to set up, easy to use, portable, with lots of reserve power. Well done!

— Anonymous

What are the Health-Related Concerns With Heatwaves?

When a heatwave settles over an area, the constantly high temperatures can present dangers to anyone not taking the proper precautions. High temperatures can dehydrate an individual much faster than normal, and our body’s natural cooling mechanisms can’t keep up. Prolonged exposure to these high temperatures, without proper care, can cause serious health complications and death, depending on the severity. Staying hydrated during a heatwave isn’t enough; exertion must be limited. Additionally, taking frequent breaks or outright avoiding outdoor activities are steps that need to be considered to ensure safety.

How Does Extreme Heat Affect The Human Body?

Extended high temperatures can cause the human body any number of distressing symptoms. In particular, Heatstroke and/or Heat Exhaustion is what should be watched for during a heatwave. Heat exhaustion requires the immediate cooling of the body to avoid further complications; take a break indoors! This is different from heat stroke which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The following graphic from the Centers of Disease Control outlines the differences and appropriate steps to take for each.

Does Extreme Heat Damage Your Mental Health Or Mind?

Extreme heat can affect both your physical body along with mental health. Studies have begun to indicate that at higher temperatures, we just aren’t able to think as clearly. In terms of physical damage, high temperatures are indeed dangerous to the brain. This is why fevers that last a long time need to be checked by a medical professional. A high enough temperature can cause the body to shut down, hence why heat stroke is so dangerous. If your body is giving you warning signs to slow down and cool off, don’t ignore it.

Can Extreme Heat Cause Diarrhea, Headaches, Or Nausea?

Heat exhaustion can present in a variety of different symptoms. Tell-tale signs that your body is suffering due to the high temperatures include diarrhea, headaches, and nausea. It’s important to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to help your body stay hydrated. If you start to feel any of these symptoms, take a break! That is your body telling you to get somewhere cool.

Is Extreme Heat Bad For Diabetics?

Yes. If you are diabetic, extreme heat can present a danger to your health. High temperatures make you sweat, which in turn increases blood glucose levels as you become dehydrated. Diabetic individuals should pay close attention to their health during periods of extreme heat and prepare accordingly. Having a stock of insulin and snacks to avoid unnecessary trips outside is a productive way to keep yourself safe in such a scenario.

Is Extreme Heat Bad For Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, there are already many factors that need to be taken into account for your, and the baby’s health. While there isn’t a lot of conclusive evidence suggesting high temperatures can affect fetal development, pregnant individuals are at a higher risk for heatstroke and exhaustion. Dehydration can cause complications during pregnancy, so be sure to stay hydrated and take it easy during these times of high temperatures.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Heatwaves?

Your furry friends aren’t immune to high temperatures, so it’s important to keep them cool and happy during times of excessively high temperatures. Following are some simple steps to keep your pets safe during a heatwave.

During extreme heat;

• Don’t leave pets in the car for any amount of time

• Limit outdoor exercise

• Provide plenty of water and shady areas

• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion/stroke, and prepare accordingly. 

Can Extreme Heat Drain a Car Battery?

Yes. Extreme heat can rapidly drain a car’s battery, shortening both its ability to hold a charge and its overall life. Having a battery-jump-starter is a good idea if you live in an area prone to high temperatures. In addition, extreme heat can put excessive stress on utilities as most households utilize air conditioning. This can cause potential power grid issues; having a backup solar generator to run essential appliances is highly recommended.

Will Extreme Heat Kill My Plants?

Just like the human body, plants are also vulnerable to extreme heat. While some species are adapted to such temperatures (such as desert-dwelling plants) many will require shade/water to survive a heatwave. If you live in an area where high temperatures are common, research the type of plants you want to cultivate to give them the best chance of making it through a heatwave.

Which is Worse: Extreme Heat or Extreme Cold?

In terms of extremes, both extreme hot and cold temperatures hold dangers for different reasons. Extreme heat overwhelms the natural ability of the body to cool off, which can lead to severe health complications and death. Likewise, extreme cold makes your body cool down faster than you can naturally stay warm, eventually shutting down essential bodily functions. Both extremes present equal, but different dangers, highlighting why preparedness is important.