Assyrian Australia explained: How to cope during a heatwave in Australia

It's important to stay in the shade and hydrated during hot summer days. Credit: iStockphoto / eternalcreative/Getty Images

Summer in Australia can be very hot, and as our climate continues to warm, heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and more intense. In this episode of Australia Explained, we cover what a heatwave is, why they pose such a significant risk to human health, who is at most risk, and how to best prepare to cope with a heatwave.

Heatwaves are when the temperature remains hot during the day and night in a location over three or more days.
The release of Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment, highlights that in a warming world, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense.
In Australia, heatwaves claim more lives than any other natural hazard, and pose a particular risk to the elderly, those suffering from underlying health conditions, very young children, and pregnant women.