Hot spring weather brings safety concerns for children in Central Valley

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Central California is heating up.

Doctors are urging families to take extra precautions as children spend more time outdoors in warmer weather.

Pediatric residents at Valley Children's Hospital say rising temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially as bodies adjust to seasonal changes.

"We want them to keep playing, and we want them to be active and be kids, but we also want them to be safe at the same time," said Dr. Aman Upadhyay, a pediatric resident at Valley Children's Hospital.

Doctors say sudden warm spells can be particularly challenging because it takes time for the body to adapt. According to health experts, it can take about seven to 14 days to fully adjust to hotter temperatures.

"Especially during the winter months, our bodies are not as adjusted to the hot temperatures," said Dr. Nikkita Akkala, a pediatric resident at Valley Children's Hospital. "Usually during the summer, they're a little bit more adjusted where you're producing more sweat and it's easier to cool down."

Children are at greater risk because their bodies regulate temperature differently from adults. Central Valley doctors encourage families to monitor kids closely for signs of heat-related illness or injury.

"Typically, you'll see children present initially with some heat exhaustion," Upadhyay said. "You'll see them be really wet, clammy, sweaty. They may present with a little bit of nausea."

Health experts warn that extended exposure to hot weather can lead to heat cramps or even heat stroke. To reduce those risks, doctors emphasize the importance of hydration.

"Making sure you have adequate water and you're drinking very often, like scheduling making sure that kids are drinking their water throughout the day or any kind of fluids really," Akkala said.

Doctors also recommend dressing children in light-colored clothing to help keep them cool.

They also stress never leaving children inside vehicles on hot days. The National Safety Council says in 2025, 31 children in the U.S. died due to a hot car death.

"Cars can heat up as quickly as 20 degrees within 10 minutes," said Dr. Jeffrey Chu, a pediatric resident at Valley Children's Hospital. "Children are very good at heating themselves and keeping themselves warm. Their temperature increases three times as fast as adults."

Health experts say planning ahead is essential. They suggest scheduling additional rest time indoors and limiting prolonged outdoor activity to help prevent heat-related problems.

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