Extreme heat and heatwaves have led to serious health consequences. Victoria is experiencing increased heatwave frequency, intensity and duration which is likely to increase in the coming decades.

Extreme heat can have serious and sometimes life-threatening impacts on communities, often exacerbating existing challenges. Some social groups or individuals with specific health issues may be at increased risk. Social isolation and language barriers may further prevent people from seeking help or understanding forecasts or public health warnings. 

People more at risk from the effects of extreme heat include, but are not limited to:

• People of a certain age or life stage, such as senior citizens or young children 

• People with existing health conditions, injuries, disorders or other health issues

• People taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat, or taking medications requiring storage at a certain temperature 

• People with particular social or economic circumstances 

• People outdoors during extreme heat. 

While preventing extreme heat is not feasible, adaptation and control measures at state, regional, local, community, and individual levels are essential to reducing the consequences. More details can be found in the State Emergency Management Sub-Plan on Extreme Heat.