Australia is in the grip of the most significant heatwave south-eastern Australia has seen in six years. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe to extreme heatwave warnings for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and the ACT, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-40s across large parts of the country.
Beyond the immediate discomfort, these sustained high temperatures pose serious health risks. Understanding how this level of extreme heat affects the body and knowing how to protect yourself and those around you could save a life.
When the temperatures climb, your body works overtime to maintain its core temperature of around 37°C. Your heart has to pump harder to move blood to the skin’s surface where heat can be released through sweating. At the same time, you’re losing fluids and electrolytes through perspiration, which can strain the cardiovascular and renal systems.Â
What makes this week’s heatwave particularly dangerous is the combination of multiple consecutive days of extreme heat with warm overnight temperatures. Health authorities warn that when hot days are followed by warm nights, the body struggles to cool down and recover, making the health impacts cumulative.
When the body can’t recover overnight, the risk of heat-related illness increases significantly. Dehydration compounds the problem as blood becomes thicker and harder to pump, and the kidneys work harder. In severe cases, this can lead to heat exhaustion or the life-threatening condition heat stroke.
Health authorities have identified those most vulnerable during this extreme weather event. People aged over 65 are particularly at risk because their bodies don’t regulate temperature as efficiently. Many medications commonly taken by older people can further affect the body’s ability to manage heat.
Babies and young children can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also face increased risk during this heatwave.
People with acute or chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and respiratory conditions, need to take extra precautions this week. Those who are socially isolated, experiencing homelessness or without access to air conditioning are also at heightened risk.
According to NSW Health, heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps and cool, pale skin. If someone shows these signs, move them to a cool place, give them water to sip slowly and seek medical advice.
Heat stroke is more serious and requires immediate emergency care. Warning signs include hot, red skin, a body temperature above 40°C, rapid pulse, confusion, loss of consciousness and in some cases, seizures. If you suspect heat stroke, call 000 immediately, move the person to a cool place and apply cool water to their skin while waiting for help.
Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these can increase dehydration.
Avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day, particularly between midday and 3pm. If you must be outside, take regular breaks in the shade and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
It is also recommended to keep your home cool by closing blinds and curtains early in the day. Use fans or air conditioning if available. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider spending time in shopping centres, libraries or community centres during the hottest part of the day.
Check on elderly neighbours, relatives or friends who live alone, particularly those without air conditioning. Make sure they have enough water and know how to stay cool.
Parents and carers should monitor children closely throughout this week, ensuring they’re drinking plenty of water and keeping outdoor play to early morning or late evening only. Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes.
By understanding the risks, recognising warning signs and taking protective measures, we can help keep ourselves and our community safe through these extreme conditions.
