A heatwave is an extended period of excessively hot weather, typically characterised by high temperatures persisting above normal levels, often accompanied by oppressive humidity, and posing health risks and potential heat-related emergencies
What is a heatwave?
Heatwaves are not often perceived as a risk in Tasmania but with temperatures rising, infrastructure mostly designed to protect from cold weather and increased unpredictability of weather, they should be. A heatwave is any long period of very hot weather.
For more information about heatwaves, visit the Heatwave Knowledge Centre and AIDR Knowledge Hub.
Understand your risk
Heat waves can impact anyone. However, there are members in our community who are particularly vulnerable and need to take special care during heat waves. People most at risk:
- Older people – Older people may feel the effects of hot weather more than others and have a higher risk of heat-related illness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- People who work outdoors
- Pets and livestock
Preparing for 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.
For more information, visit Hot weather and heatwaves | Tasmanian Department of Health