South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) is encouraging local residents to be prepared for anticipated hot temperatures, particularly those who are older or live with a chronic condition.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned Australians to expect unusually warm temperatures, with an increased risk of heatwaves and bushfire weather until February.
“Daytime and night-time temperatures have an increased chance of being unusually warm until February. Warm nights after hot days means little relief from heat and can lead to heat stress,” BOM senior meteorologist Sarah Scully said.
The extreme weather forecast coincides with the recent release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report Let’s talk about the weather: injuries related to extreme weather.
According to the report, extreme heat in Australia accounted for 7,104 injury hospitalisations and 293 deaths in the 10-year period analysed (2012-2022). Apart from Tasmania, exposure to excessive natural heat was the most common cause leading to injury hospitalisation in all states and territories.
The extreme weather report supports findings in the Climate, Health and Wellbeing in Western Parkland City (2023), a guidance document for the Western Sydney Health Alliance as part of the increasing resilience to climate change project.
It is estimated there are three times as many heat-related deaths in Western Sydney during heat waves than in Sydney’s east.
The Western Parkland City, which includes Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Wollondilly shire, is being impacted by rising temperatures, with the number of days per year over 35C degrees in Western Sydney increasing from an average of 9.5 days in the 1970s to 15.4 days per year in the last decade. This is projected to increase to 12 days over 40C per year by 2090.
SWSPHN chief executive officer Keith McDonald said the weather forecast and extreme weather injuries report were timely reminders extreme heat could have a serious impact on people’s health.
He said understanding the impact of excessive heat on the body and following some simple measures could decrease the risks of heat stroke, heat stress and other heat-related injuries.
Extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, however, it is particularly dangerous for those over the age of 75, babies and young children, overweight or obese, pregnant or breastfeeding, poor mobility, homeless and those living alone.
Also anyone working in a hot environment, those with a chronic illness (such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, mental illness).
People with an acute illness (an infection with fever or gastroenteritis) and those taking certain medications are also vulnerable to extreme heat.
Talk to your GP if you have any health concerns which may be exacerbated by the heat. Seek medical advice immediately if you have any heatstroke or heat stress symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, rapid or weak pulse, headache, nausea or vomiting, or intense thirst.
Otherwise, follow these simple guidelines to remain safe and comfortable during the summer heat:
- If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm). Avoid strenuous activities and gardening
- Do not leave children, adults or animals in parked cars
- If you do go out, wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, porous clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
- Regularly rest in the shade and drink plenty of water
- Keep food refrigerated, don’t eat food left out of the fridge for more than two hours
- Keep a close eye on the aged and those at higher risk of hot weather. Look for signs of heat stress, such as nausea or changes in appearance including red, pale or severely dry skin
- If inside, keep curtains and blinds closed to reduce excess heat. Turn on the fan or air conditioner if you need it
- Cool down by taking frequent cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water.
At-risk community members can prepare for heatwaves and heatstroke using the resources below:
Heatstroke – Health Resource Directory
Preparing for a heatwave – Health Resource Directory
Heatwaves can impact chronic conditions and medications – SWSPHN
Healthcare providers can find more information at:
