Heatwaves can be especially dangerous for people without stable housing. As temperatures rise, homeless people face a higher risk of health problems because they often have less protection from direct sun, high daytime heat and warmer nights.
The problem is made worse in cities, where heat can build up and linger. Materials such as concrete and asphalt absorb and release heat, while traffic and other urban activity add even more warmth. This urban heat effect can make city streets feel far hotter than surrounding areas.
For homeless people, these conditions can make daily life much harder. Finding shade, water or cooler indoor spaces may not be easy, and long periods outdoors can increase physical strain during extreme weather. When heat lasts for several days, the risks can grow.
The issue highlights how rising temperatures do not affect everyone equally. As cities get hotter, people living without secure shelter are among those most exposed to heat-related harm, making heatwaves a serious public health concern.
