What is a heatwave?
The Bureau of Meteorology defines a heatwave as a period of at least three days when the combined effect of excess heat and heat stress are unusual for a local climate.
Are they dangerous?
Heatwaves are the most deadly of all of Australia's natural hazards.
Between 1900 and 2011, 4555 people died from extreme heat in Australia - 55.2 per cent of all deaths caused by natural hazards.
That's more than 1000 deaths higher than the tolls for the next five most dangerous natural hazards combined - cyclone (1285), flood (1221), bush/grassfire (866), landslide (88) and lightning (85).
Who is at risk?
Heat can exacerbate existing medical conditions and can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.
What can I do?
- drink plenty of water even if you aren't thirsty
- cool off with wet towels and cool foot baths or showers
- stay in cool or air-conditioned buildings if you can
- stay out of the sun in the heat of the day
- avoid strenuous activity and
- check on sick or frail friends, neighbours and relatives
- don't leave people or animals in hot cars
