After spending several hours outdoors, your skin is pale and clammy. You feel weak and have muscle cramps. These are symptoms of:

The symptoms described—pale and clammy skin, weakness, and muscle cramps—are indicative of heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and physical exertion without adequate hydration.

In heat exhaustion, the body's cooling mechanisms become overwhelmed, leading to insufficient blood flow to critical organs, which causes the skin to appear pale and clammy due to the body's attempt to regulate temperature. Weakness and muscle cramps are common symptoms as the body depletes its electrolyte levels, particularly when physical activity continues in high heat conditions.

Understanding these symptoms helps in recognizing heat exhaustion early, allowing for immediate intervention such as moving to a cooler area, hydrating, and resting. This differs from conditions like heat stroke, where the body’s temperature regulation fails completely and can lead to more severe symptoms like confusion or loss of consciousness. Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion becomes vital for anyone spending time outdoors, particularly in hot weather.