Australia Sizzles in Extreme Heatwave: ‘Don’t Underestimate the Deadly Dangers’ Warns Top Doctor as Temperatures Soar to 45 Degrees
- Severe to extreme heatwave warnings issued for large parts of Australia, including Western Australia, Victoria, and South Australia
- Temperatures expected to reach a scorching 45 degrees in some areas, with humidity making it feel even hotter
- Top doctor warns that even young and healthy people can fall victim to heat-related illnesses, with the elderly and young children most at risk
- Australians urged to stay indoors, keep cool, and drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses
Australia is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to extreme levels in many parts of the country. The mercury is expected to reach a sizzling 45 degrees in some areas, with humidity making it feel even hotter. And it’s not just the elderly and young children who are at risk – even young and healthy people can fall victim to heat-related illnesses.
“As Australians, we’re accustomed to hot weather. However, we must not underestimate the serious health effects that can occur – even for young and healthy people,” warned Dr. Michael Wright, president of the Royal College of Australian General Practitioners. “The human body can only take so much heat before it starts to cook from the inside.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe to extreme heatwave warnings for large parts of Australia, including Western Australia, Victoria, and South Australia. Firefighters are bracing for challenging conditions, with some areas expecting consecutive days of temperatures in the mid-40s.
And it’s not just the heat that’s the problem – the humidity is also playing a major role in making the air feel even hotter. “When it is humid, the air is so moist that sweat cannot easily evaporate, meaning your body will struggle to cool down,” explained Dr. Wright.
So what can you do to stay safe in the heat? The Bureau of Meteorology advises Australians in areas with heatwave warnings to seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, a community centre or a shopping centre. Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home. And if available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.
Doctors also advise people to avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day, particularly outside. And don’t forget to stay hydrated – drink plenty of water, and try to stay indoors if possible during those peak UV hours of 11am to 3pm.
“My advice for all Australians is to drink plenty of water, try to stay indoors if possible during those peak UV hours of 11am to 3pm, and remember to ‘slip, slop, slap’,” said Dr. Wright.