News Release
May 29, 2025
Health officials launch campaign to encourage Minnesotans to ‘Stay Cool’ during extreme heat
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will kick off a statewide campaign on Friday, May 30, to help protect Minnesotans from extreme heat, which kills more people in the U.S. than tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding combined.
The STAY COOL MN campaign encourages Minnesotans to follow these tips to stay safe when it’s hot outside:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially if you are active outdoors. Water or a drink with electrolytes are the best options.
- Stay informed. Check the weather forecast, adjust activities as needed and know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
- Stay cool. Cool off in air-conditioned places (e.g., malls, libraries), shaded areas or other cool places.
The multi-media campaign includes digital ads, social media content, a new webpage (mn.gov/heat) and printed materials. It will run through Labor Day.
Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed May 30 Extreme Heat Awareness Day.
“Minnesota’s climate is getting warmer, and our summer temperatures are expected to rise in the years ahead due to human-caused climate change,” said Governor Tim Walz. “We cherish our Minnesota summers, but they can turn tragic quickly if people don’t understand how heat can impact the body. This campaign will help make sure people can stay safe.”
“In Minnesota, we know about cold, but we sometimes underestimate the heat and that’s dangerous,” said MDH Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “That’s why we’re acting now to spread awareness and share potentially lifesaving health information about the dangers of overheating this summer.”
Climate projection trends indicate that Minnesota will be significantly warmer by 2045 so that parts of Minnesota may reach a heat index of (feel as hot as) 135 degrees Fahrenheit for multiple days in summer.
Without adequate cooling and hydration, high temperatures and heat indexes can be life-threatening, especially for children, outdoor workers and other vulnerable groups, such as adults over age 65 as well as people who have a disability, are pregnant or have certain medical conditions.
“Heat stroke can develop surprisingly quickly when working or exercising in heat,” said John L. Hick, M.D., faculty emergency physician at Hennepin Healthcare. “It can also develop gradually over a few days of prolonged heat. If someone who’s been in a hot environment or recently exercising in the heat is confused, agitated, unconscious or unable to maintain their balance, call 911 immediately! Heat stroke is a medical emergency and every minute counts. The good news is that heat stroke can be prevented by taking steps to stay cool and hydrated.”
The STAY COOL MN campaign was developed by MDH in collaboration with other state agencies as part of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan’s One Minnesota Plan to improve the lives of all Minnesotans by working collaboratively to implement policies that achieve results and to make Minnesota the best state in the country for children to grown up in.
For more information on extreme heat and how to protect yourself and others, go to mn.gov/heat.
-MDH-
Media inquiries:
Amy Barrett
MDH Communications
651-201-4993
amy.barrett@state.mn.us