Department of Health

Extreme heat and heatwaves

Information and resources to assist the general community, health and community service providers and local government to prepare for extreme heat.

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Extreme heat or heatwaves are a period of unusually hot weather that cause people to become ill from heat-stress or heatstroke – which can be fatal.

Extreme heat can affect everyone, however those most at risk are older people, young children and people with a medical condition.

Extreme heat can also affect community infrastructure (such as power supply and public transport) and other services.

Heat tips

Know the signs of heat-related health problems. See the Better Health Channel.

Heat health warning

Information on heat events during summer for the health sector in Victoria.

Planning for extreme heat and heatwaves

Heatwave plans help government support members of the community who are most at risk during a heatwave.

Extreme heat - information for clinicians

Health professionals have a key role in preventing and managing heat-related illness.

Extreme heat - community resources

A suite of communication resources have been developed by the department to encourage and educate individuals and the community to be aware of the impact of extreme heat on human health.

Research and reports - extreme heat and heatwaves

The department has funded several heatwave research projects, which are important for understanding the effects of heatwaves on communities. Two heatwaves - in January 2009 and January 2014 - have also been reported on.

Reviewed 19 April 2024

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Chief Health Officer

50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Contact the Chief Health Officer

Contact details

Emergency Management Branch

extreme.weather@dhhs.vic.gov.au
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