Sunstroke is a dangerous medical emergency that happens when your body gets so overheated that it can't cool itself down anymore. When you spend too long in extreme heat, especially while being very active, your body's temperature can rise to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. At this temperature, your brain and organs can't work properly.

Someone with sunstroke might suddenly stop sweating even though they're burning hot, feel confused or dizzy, have a pounding headache, or even pass out. Their skin often turns red and dry. This is very different from regular heat exhaustion, where you feel tired and sweaty. Sunstroke means your body's cooling system has almost or completely failed.

Marathon runners who push too hard on blazing summer days sometimes suffer sunstroke. Construction workers laboring under the midday sun without breaks risk it. Even kids playing outside for hours on a scorching afternoon can develop sunstroke if they don't drink enough water or take shade breaks.

If someone shows signs of sunstroke, they need emergency medical help immediately. While you wait for help, try to cool them down with things like water, ice, shade, or air conditioning. Sunstroke can cause serious damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles if not treated quickly. This is why coaches cancel practice when it gets dangerously hot, and why staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade matters so much on sweltering days.