Symptom: Dry, itchy skin. Photo by Fuse/Getty Images. What it might mean: It's probably winter itch, skin dryness that's a result of cold, dry air. Using a humidifier, avoiding super hot showers, and routinely slathering on a thick moisturizer will help keep skin supple.
But Death Valley is affected by several of the main causes of heat waves - the frequent presence of a high pressure system (helped by its below sea level elevation), downslope air movement from surrounding mountains, and radiation of heat from the surrounding cliffs.
Other causes. Besides hot weather and strenuous activity, other causes of heat exhaustion include: Dehydration, which reduces your body's ability to sweat and maintain a normal temperature. Alcohol use, which can affect your body's ability to regulate your temperature.