Overview
- Health agencies have reinforced that adults should aim for roughly 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid a day to replace sweat losses during the current heatwave.
- Authorities advise avoiding alcohol and very sugary drinks because they worsen thirst and heat tolerance and caution that tea and coffee can increase urine output.
- Official guidance differs on drink temperature with some bodies recommending room-temperature water and others requiring 'fresh' water for workers, and reporting now stresses the quantity of fluid over a single correct temperature.
- Very cold drinks can blunt the feeling of thirst and risk underconsumption, so people should choose temperatures and palatable non‑alcoholic options—infused waters, hibiscus, lassi or diluted coconut water—that help them drink enough, while noting coconut water is not a medical rehydration solution.
- Practical tips for people at higher risk are to sip regularly rather than wait for thirst, monitor urine color as a hydration sign, eat water‑rich foods, and use employer‑provided fresh water when available.