Long, dangerous summer heat, strong sun, and mosquito season.
Texas summers are long and hot, and heat is the biggest everyday strain the state puts on your body. Its southern latitude means strong UV much of the year, and West Nile virus can surge in some summers.
Long stretches of high heat, often with humidity, strain your heart and your body's cooling system. Texas health officials say older adults, young children, people with chronic disease and people without air conditioning are most at risk. Heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, and no one should ever be left in a parked car.
The sun's strength depends on its angle, which is set by latitude, season and time of day. Texas sits far enough south that the midday sun is high for much of the year, and high-elevation West Texas adds more. That raises your lifetime risk of sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.
West Nile virus cases in Texas swing widely from year to year. The state recorded 1,868 cases in 2012, a record high, after just 27 the year before. Most infected people never feel sick, but older adults face the highest risk of severe, brain-affecting illness.
Call 911 for signs of heat stroke: confusion, fainting, a very high body temperature, or hot skin, whether dry or still sweating. Get care for sudden severe headache, stiff neck or confusion in summer. Have any new or changing mole checked.