Life Intelligence

Texas heat survival tips for people who aren't from here

Your first Texas summer is going to be a shock. Here's what got me through mine.

  • Hydrate before you're thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty you're already dehydrated. Keep water with you always.
  • Car prep matters. Windshield sunshade, tinted windows, and a remote start if your car has it. Your steering wheel at 3pm is a branding iron without a shade.
  • Plan around the heat. Outdoor stuff before 10am or after 7pm. Midday is for indoor errands and AC.
  • Dress for it. Light colors, breathable fabric, hat, sunglasses. Nobody cares if you look like a tourist. Heat exhaustion doesn't care about your outfit.
  • Know the signs of heat stroke. Dizziness, nausea, confusion, no longer sweating. Call 911. This kills people every summer.

Any other tips from veteran Texans?

Community ReportAutomatedSource: Community ReportPublished: Mar 29, 2026, 2:02 PM

Electrolytes, not just water. Liquid IV, Pedialyte, even pickle juice. When you sweat this much, plain water isn't enough. You're losing salt faster than you can replace it.

Invest in a good insulated water bottle. A Yeti or Stanley with ice stays cold for 8+ hours in your car. Warm water in the Texas heat is torture.

Parking strategy: find shade, even if it means walking farther. A shaded parking spot saves you 20 degrees of interior temp compared to full sun.

Keep a cooler in your trunk in summer. Cold water, some snacks. If you break down on a Texas highway in July, help might take 30-45 minutes. You want water available.

Your pets feel it too. Hot asphalt can burn their paws. Touch it with the back of your hand — if you can't hold it for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog to walk on.