Water plays an integral part in regulating our internal temperature. The sweat that’s released from our bodies helps to cool us down when it’s hot outside. The hotter we are, the more water we use up. This is why being aware of how much you drink in a heatwave is so important. Drink too little and your body will soon begin to suffer and you may start to feel unwell. To help you get the balance just right, we’re taking a look at how much you really need to drink in a heatwave.

How much water should we be drinking every day?

The exact amount of water you should drink every day will depend on your size, your age, your activity level, and the conditions you live in. However, as Healthline says, “Health authorities commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 litres, or half a gallon. This is called the 8×8 rule and is very easy to remember.” If you’re very active or if you live in a hot country, you may need to drink more water on average every day.

How a heat wave affects hydration

When it’s hot outside, even the smallest amount of activity can cause us to sweat profusely. The more active you are and the hotter the temperatures get, the more water you’ll use up. If you don’t replace this H2O, your body will begin to suffer. You may begin to feel tired or dizzy and you could even faint if you don’t top up your water levels in time.

Checking your hydration levels

The more aware you are of your hydration levels, the easier it will be to keep your H2O properly topped up. Try to drink water before you begin to feel thirsty and make sure you drink regularly throughout the day. When you go to the toilet, take a minute to check the colour of your urine. If it’s clear and pale, your hydration levels should be around normal. However, if it’s dark or cloudy, it means you need to drink more water to get your body back in balance.

Another good way to tell if you’re dehydrated is to pinch the skin on the top of your hand together. If it springs straight back to normal when released, you’re probably hydrated. However, if it takes a few seconds to return to its normal position, then it means you’re not drinking enough water.

Drinking plenty of water is an incredibly important part of staying healthy. Making sure you stay topped up with H2O during a heatwave will help you to cope more easily with the high temperatures and ensure your body stays in great condition throughout the summer months.