High temps test Hoosier endurance - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

When the sun is beating down and temperatures soaring, some people tolerate the heat better than others.

Tyrone Warren is a contractor who spends a lot of time outside.

"I don't know if there something in the body that makes a difference but for me, I prefer the heat. I think it's easier to stay cool in summer than warm in winter," he said.

Amos Shiels, a captain with the Salvation Army Eagle Creek Division, is the complete opposite.

"I am a chillier individual. I prefer it no higher than 70 degrees," he said.

Fortunately, Shiels spends most of his time indoors. "If I see heat coming off the sidewalk it's too much."

Dr. Jose Martinez is a third-year resident who works in the Emergency Department at Wishard Hospital.

"Everyone's bodies and responses and the way they manage and handle heat is different," he said.

Martinez said people who are heavier or who have health problems usually have a harder time with the heat. But he says a person's tolerance also has to do with where they grew up and how much time they spend outdoors.

"What I see is people have a more difficult time adjusting to the extreme heat [than the cold]," he said.

That's especially true when temperatures spike quickly as they did Wednesday during the Carmelfest parade. Despite drinking lots of water, several band members were overcome by the brutal heat. Sixteen were taken to area hospitals as a precaution. Others were treated at the scene.

Martinez said it takes time to adapt to a big change in temperature. People who spend more time outdoors usually do so more quickly. He said it helps when they take precautions, such as staying hydrated and wearing loose, lightweight clothing.

As for what's more dangerous - extreme cold or extreme heat?

"Both are dangerous conditions when you're talking about extremes," he said, especially for those who are young, elderly or for anyone with a compromised immune system or health condition.

Asked about his own preference, he laughed, "I prefer hot, sticky weather. The cold weather hurts more for me."