Is it Safe To Drink Alcohol During A Heat Wave?

Whenever there is a heat wave, the National Weather Service puts out a statement to the press warning people not to drink alcohol. But is it really not safe to drink alcohol during a heat wave?

The answer is, well it can be, yes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Drinking a cold beer on a hot day is one of life’s simple pleasures.. A refreshing cocktail such as a mojito can be the perfect heat beater.

But be careful.

I have suffered from heat exhaustion, which is one step before a heat stroke. I was feeling lightheaded and dizzy and could not figure out the reason. I was covering a beach volleyball event on a hot day in which there was no breeze and earlier in the day had some alcohol while covering a wine festival (I am allowed to drink covering some events for PubClub.com; after all, it’s part of the job).

After the volleyball tournament, all the players and many of the fans headed to a local bar to have one heck of a post-event party. It was tradition, a post-tournament ritual.

I got there anxious to take part in the shenanigans but, feeling a bit out of sorts, first drank several cups of water. I also sat down instead of dancing and mingling. After about an hour, I started to feel normal and was safely able to take part in the evening’s festivities.

The key was the fact that I listened to my body. Your body tells you things about your health. It gives you warning signs. Pay attention to them. Had I not done that, and started to drink alcohol instead of water, I would likely have had a heat stroke. Instead, I drank water and returned to normal.

Tips For Drinking Alcohol During A Heat Wave

Yes, y0u can drink alcohol when there’s a heat wave. Here are tips of being safe.

Watch for the signs your body is telling you. If you are feeling faint or dizzy, drink water. Or something with electrolytes.

Try sitting in the shade instead of in the sun or in a room with air conditioning. Don’t pound beer after beer, even if you’re at a beer festival. Pace yourself.

Sip your cocktails.

Don’t consume alcohol when you are being active, such as playing a sport or going for a long walk or bike ride. That’s water and electrolytes time.

Conclusion

Alcohol dehydrates you so you have to replace what you have lost. And at the first sign of feeling a bit off, stop drinking alcohol.

But a cold beer or refreshing cocktail on a hot day? Yes, when done with the right precautions.