What is a Heatwave?
Heatwaves are environmental disasters. They are extended periods where the maximum and minimum temperature is high. During a heatwave nights are warmer, meaning the next day’s heat is more extreme.
When temperatures are hotter than 35°C, it becomes harder to regulate body temperature: to cool down and stay healthy. This is especially dangerous in heatwaves as our body cannot cool down at night.
“Severe and extreme heatwaves have claimed more lives than any other natural hazard in Australia. Heatwaves can be dangerous because they pose health risks to the most vulnerable, such as elderly people and very young children. Heatwaves can also affect the transport, agriculture and energy sectors and their associated infrastructure.”
Climate Change & Heatwaves
Climate change is making heatwaves hotter, longer and more frequent. As we continue to produce greenhouse gases our climate worsens and people are more exposed to the dangers of heat.
According to the CSIRO and BOM’s 2024 State of the Climate Report, Australia is already living in a ‘new climate’, having warmed 1.51 degrees since 1910. This means we are currently experiencing the impacts of climate change in our own homes, backyards, and communities. We need better infrastructure to protect our communities from heat.
This warming will continue if we keep burning fossil fuels and polluting our atmosphere.
Identifying a Heatwave
Stay updated about when heatwaves are happening by checking the Bureau of Meteorology’s Heatwave Forecast.
Understanding the Risks
Everyone is impacted by extreme heat, but some people are more exposed to heat-related illness. We need to be aware of our own risks and those of our friends, family and neighbours.
People most at risk during heatwaves:
- Older adults (over 65)
- Babies and young children
- People with chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, mental illness, or respiratory illness)
- People taking certain medications
- Outdoor workers
- People with a disability
- People who rent in energy inefficient homes
Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illness can affect anyone and is caused by exposure to heat, sunlight and dehydration. There are different levels of heat-related illness: from heat cramps, and heat rash (self treatment), heat exhaustion (immediate first-aid) and heat stroke (medical emergency).
Always call 000 in an emergency. Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about your risk in the heat.
What to do in a Heatwave
During a heatwave it’s important to look after your health and check-in on others. Social isolation can increase the risk during extreme heat, make sure to check up on your family, friends and neighbours in hot weather. Read our guide on Heatwave Check-ins here.
How to stay safe during a heatwave:
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water
- Avoid outdoor physical activity
- Close blinds and curtains to keep out sunlight and heat
- Sit in front of a fan
- Dampen skin
- Take cold showers
- Eat lighter meals (this is easier for digestion and avoids turning on the oven)
- Plan ahead – check the weather forecast
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness
Heatwave Tools
check in with others
This guide provides all the advice, tools and information to help you check in on friends, family and neighbours on hot days.
Monitor your risk
Developed alongside the University of Sydney this web app allows you to personalise your heat information. Input your location, to see heat forecast and real-time tips to beating the heat. You can personalise this app by adding health conditions and creating profiles for your family and friends to understand how heat specifically impacts you.
Department of health
Government Health Departments are a great tool for finding health information during summer.
