Hot weather and heatwaves

In Tasmania we are used to coping with cool weather but are less experienced coping with hot weather and heatwaves. Hot weather can be serious and cause heat-related illness.

Heatwaves are periods of unusually hot weather.

Some people may experience the effects of hot weather more than others, so it’s important to know what these effects are, who is at risk and what you can do.

Heatwave warnings and planning ahead

The Bureau of Meteorology will issue a heatwave warning if a severe or extreme heatwave is expected. Warnings are issued through the Bureau of Meteorology website and BoM Weather App and telephone service.

The Department of Health will assess the risk to human health based on information and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology. The Department of Health will issue further advice if needed to help Tasmanians prepare for the expected hot weather or heatwave that’s likely to pose a significant public health risk.

Keep informed so you can plan ahead for hot conditions.  

Keep up to date with local conditions via the TasALERT website and Bureau of Meteorology website.

Information for the public will also be provided via the Department of Health Facebook page.

People most at risk

Everyone is potentially at risk of heat-related health problems during hot weather and heatwaves, but some people have a higher risk of becoming ill, including: 

• babies and young children
• older people, especially who live on their own
• those pregnant or breastfeeding
• people who live on their own or who don’t live close to others
• people who work outdoors or are physically active
• people with a chronic health condition 
• or taking certain types of medications

It is very important that those at higher risk take extra care of themselves during hot weather and heatwaves. It is also important that family and carers, friends and neighbours of those at higher risk keep in contact with these people regularly to make sure they are coping with the heat.

See When it's hot: coping in hot weather for more information

Preparing for hot weather

Being prepared for hot weather and heatwaves is important. 

Keep up-to-date with local conditions via the TasALERT website and Bureau of Meteorology website. Look out for more information on the Department of Health Facebook page.

Here are some simple things you can do to stay healthy in the heat;

• Make a plan to keep in touch with family, friends and neighbours. Have contact details for people who may be able to help if you are in need.
• Check fans, air-conditioners, refrigerators and freezers are working properly. Make sure heat pumps that have heating and cooling are set to cool.
• Look at things you can do to make your home cooler. For example window coverings or external blinds on the sides of the house facing the sun. 
• Check local weather forecasts so you know when hot weather is coming and plan ahead. 
• Make sure you have contact details for your general practitioner, pharmacist, or other trusted health advice such as Healthdirect (1800 022 222).
• Speak to your doctor if you have chronic health conditions or are on regular medications to discuss what to do during hot weather.
• Think about your pets and how you will keep them healthy, hydrated and cool. 
• Prepare a small emergency kit in case the power goes off. This can include a torch, batteries, first aid kit, emergency contact numbers and battery-operated radio.
• Try to have enough basic groceries, water and other items you need such as medications to last up to a week. Then you can avoid going out during hot conditions. 

Watch and share this short video on how to stay healthy in the heat:

When it’s hot: coping in hot weather

See Poster for Staying smart in the heat this summer

Simple steps everyone can take to stay safe during hot weather and heatwaves include:

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is best. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Keep out of the heat

Stay indoors with an air conditioner or fan and keep your curtains or blinds closed. Open your windows if there is a cool breeze. Get plenty of rest as heat can be very tiring.
If you need to go outside, avoid going out during the hottest part of the day.

Check on others

Check regularly on relatives and friends at risk, such as older people and those with chronic medical conditions.

Clothing

Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, especially light colours that reflect the heat.

Minimise sun

Keep out of the sun as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and use plenty of broad-spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF30+).

Cooling your house

Draw blinds and curtains to keep out the heat during the day. If you have a fan or air-conditioner, make sure it is set to cool. Open doors and windows where safe to do so. 

Food safety

Food safety is always important but especially important during hot weather. Bacteria grows much more quickly on unrefrigerated food when conditions are hot, increasing the risk of food poisoning. Find out more about food safety

Pets

Make sure your pets are kept out of the sun and have plenty of cool water to drink. Avoid exercising your dog in the heat of the day. Find out more about pets and hot weather

Seek medical advice

Heat-related illness can be life threatening. In an emergency, call 000 for help.

People most at risk: take extra precautions

Babies and young children

Babies and young children are very sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and can quickly get stressed by heat. It is important to watch them closely and stop them from getting dehydrated or too hot.

Learn more about babies and young children and hot weather

Older people

Older people may feel the effects of hot weather more than others and have a higher risk of heat-related illness.

Learn more about coping with hot weather for older people 

During Pregnancy

Most people experience an increase in body temperature during pregnancy and this makes them more sensitive to high temperatures. Keep in mind that if you are getting overheated so is your baby, and this can be dangerous for the baby.

Learn more about pregnancy during hot weather

People with chronic conditions or taking regular medications 

If you have a chronic condition or take regular medication you are at higher risk of health problems during hot weather and may be more affected by heat than others.

Continue taking prescribed medication and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. For older people and some people with disability refer to advice at coping with hot weather for older people

Learn more about chronic conditions and taking medication during hot weather >

Recognising heat-related illness

It is easy to become overheated and dehydrated in hot weather, which can lead to serious conditions and illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat-related illness can also include heat rash, dehydration and heat cramps.

 Early signs of dehydration and heat-related illness include:

•    sweating heavily
•    having a raised body temperature
•    feeling dizzy or faint 
•    headache
•    feeling tired and lethargic
•    reduced appetite
•    feeling thirsty and dry mouth
•    rapid heart rate
•    passing less urine than usual
•    being irritable and difficulty thinking clearly
•    twitching or having   muscle cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen.

Visit Healthdirect to find out more about symptoms and what to do 

Once the heat is over

• Continue to drink plenty of water.
• If cooler outside than inside, open doors and windows to let cool air through your home.
• If you feel unwell, make an appointment to see your doctor.
• Contact family and friends to check if they need help.
• Reflect on how well you coped during the heat and what you may do differently next time.
• Make any changes you can to your home to make it more comfortable next time there is hot weather.

Bushfire and air quality information

Find out what is happening with fires and air quality:

• For fire warnings and emergency information go to TasALERT
• For fire danger rating forecasts visit Tasmania Fire Service
• Learn about bushfire smoke and your health. 
• Visit Environment Protection Authority for more real-time air quality data.
• Go to web page for air quality information

For more information

Download the poster for Staying heat smart this summer

Find out more about extreme weather and your health on the Healthdirect website

For fact sheets and resources including translated resources go to Healthy in the Heat | SA Health

Contact your GP for medical advice or for after hours see know your treatment options