Our body works hard to keep itself at an optimal temperature. The scale into the 'danger zone' begins at temperatures above 40 degrees celsius, that are life threatening. At 41 degrees celsius brain death starts. At 45 degrees celsius death is almost certain. Heat stroke can come on suddenly as our temperature regulating mechanism can simply become over-excercised and shut down.
There is several different signs that are body will give us if it is overheating, also known as heat stroke symptoms. The most common way for our body to release excess heat is through perspiration. This works as long as the body has a sufficient amount of water to perspirate. Once the body becomes dehydrated, it starts to look for other methods of losing heat. If it cannot find any, the temperature begins to climb rapidly.
under 'normal operating conditions' are body is able to maintain itself. Be smart about when and how you push your body and you will be able to reduce the risks of such conditions as heat stroke. Simple steps that you can take, like staying hydrated, avoiding over-exhaustion in hot temperatures, etc are all that it takes.