Heat waves can leave homes dangerously hot – even for young, healthy adults

Heat waves can be dangerous, and the conditions indoors can be worse than outdoors. A study of all the single-family homes in Austin, Texas, shows why.

By: Zoltan Nagy, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 23, 2026

Words: 1,286

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Zoltan Nagy, Eindhoven University of Technology

Most people know that heat waves can be dangerous. What they may not realize is that the heat indoors can be much worse than outdoors.

When the power goes out and air conditioning stops, a house starts to function like a greenhouse. Heat enters through windows and walls and has nowhere to go. Air stagnates.

Within hours, indoor temperatures can climb well above what the thermometer shows outside, especially …

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