Some drinks actually dehydrate you

(WWLP) - With all the heat, you might be tempted to cool off with an alcoholic beverage, but that’s not necessarily the best idea.

Hot and humid weather can cause you to dehydrate if you don't drink enough water. Drinking alcohol acts to dehydrate you even more, and can be very dangerous when combined with excessive heat.

According to the US Army Medical Department, Alcohol affects the body's ability to regulate its temperature and causes you to urinate more frequently, which takes out much needed fluids from your body. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headache, and impaired judgment. Alcohol can also increase your blood pressure, which could lead to overheating or heat stroke.

"On an extremely hot day I probably would have less, I agree, because it tends to dehydrate you,” said Marc Campbell of West Springfield. “But it doesn't stop me, I still have it occasionally."

Ann Buscemi of Longmeadow told 22News that she drinks plenty of non-alcoholic fluids during hot days. "I really do, I drink a lot of, believe it or not, coconut water and just plain old seltzer and water, and you know a glass of wine at the end of the day, but hopefully it's cooled off by then," Buscemi said.

If you do want to have a drink, waiting for temperatures to cool off, as well as drinking plenty of water will improve your chances of not getting dehydrated.