Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of periods of extreme heat across Australia in the future. NSW will experience more extreme heat, with hot days are expected to increase across the state by an average of 26 days per year by 2070.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that this summer is likely to be warmer than average across most of the country, with the long-range forecast for January to March indicating a warmer and wetter than average season, with an increased likelihood of unusually high overnight temperatures.
What are the effects of increasing hot days on me?
Heat is an important environmental and occupational health hazard. Heat stress is the leading cause of weather-related deaths and can be worsen many other underlying illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health, asthma and can increase the risk of accidents and transmission of some infectious diseases.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition in which your body overheats and can no longer maintain a healthy temperature. Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises to 40°C and can be either exertional or non-exertional (classic) heatstroke.
- Exertional heatstroke is usually caused by physical exertion outside in hot weather
- Non-exertional heatstroke often affects older adults and people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, developing over several hours or days
Who is at risk from Heatstroke?
Everyone is at risk from heat-related illnesses during hot weather and heatwaves. However certain groups of people are more at risk of developing this illness, such as:
- Babies and young children
- Pregnant women
- Elderly people
- People who have a chronic illness (renal, cardiovascular and mental health disorders)
- People with mobility issues
Symptoms of Heatstroke
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and confusion
- Having flushed, hot and unusually dry skin
- Being extremely thirsty
- Having a dry swollen tongue
- Having a sudden rise in body temperature to more than 40°C
- Being disoriented or delirious
- Being aggressive or behaving strangely
- Convulsions, seizures or coma
- May be sweating and skin may feel deceptively cool
- Rapid pulse
What to do in hot weather?
We live in a warm part of the world, which is forecast to get even warmer. It makes sense then to have a plan for how to keep cool on hot days.
- Drink plenty of fluids – preferably water. Avoid drinks that dehydrate you such as alcohol or coffee.
- Check local weather forecasts so that you know when hot weather is coming, so you can plan ahead.
- If you have to work or do other physical activity in the middle of the day, wear loose, long fitting clothing and a hat, and regularly apply sunscreen.
- If you have been prescribed medication, keep taking it.
- Stay indoors as much as possible with a fan or air conditioner on.
- Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day.
- Exercise in the early morning or evening.
- Keep curtains, blinds and windows closed during the day to keep your house cool.
- Check in with family, friends and neighbours who may be at risk of heat-related illness, and older people who live alone.
Don't be complacent when it comes to hot days and heatwaves – more people in Australia die from heat related conditions than any other natural hazard, with more than 7100 hospitalisations in the last 10 years related to extreme heat. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, have a plan on how to keep cool, and keep an eye on your people who are in the risk categories for heatstroke. Keep cool and stay safe this summer.
