Even in a summer with dismal weather, a risk of a heat stroke exists and senior citizens are those with the greatest risk.
Sue Ball, a nurse with the Area Agency on Aging, said that seniors are at a higher risk to be affected by the heat because of existing medical conditions and many do not have a lot of strength and endurance.
According to a press release from the agency, exposure to heat for an extended period of time can "cause damage to the brain or other vital organs."
While Ball said it is difficult to put an exact time frame on how long it would take for a person to be affected by the heat, if it is very hot and the humidity is high, it probably wouldn't take long at all.
The major problems caused by intense heat are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and heat exhaustion is the body's response to losing large quantities of water and salt in sweat.
Some of the warning signs of heat stroke include: dizziness, nausea, hot and dry skin, no sweat, rapid pulse and a throbbing headache.
Ball said if someone is feeling the onset of heat stroke they should go to the hospital and seek medical attention.
If the heat is not affecting them as seriously, she said they should drink cool fluids and get out of the sun and heat, either by going into air conditioning or standing in front of a fan.
According to the press release, a victim may also need to be cooled rapidly using immersion into cool water through a bathtub, shower or even a garden hose.
While Ball said if a person is cooled and treated immediately, there should be no problems, there is a risk if treatment is delayed.
"If they become severely compromised, there can be long-term complications," she said.
Ultimately, preventive measures could be the best defense.
"People should stay where it's cool and know their limitations," Ball said. "If they have problems when it's hot, just avoid the heat in general."