Extreme Heat Awareness Day 

Heatwaves are already Australia’s deadliest environmental disaster. As climate change bites, they are getting more frequent, longer, and more intense. 2025 was the hottest year on record, beating the previous record-holder 2024, which was the hottest year for nine years. The urban heat island effect in our cities makes the problem even worse. 

That’s why it is so important to look after yourself, your family members, friends, and neighbours during periods of extreme heat. Start by checking in with people who may be vulnerable to the heat to make sure they are OK. Be sure to plan ahead to keep your environment cool or take shelter in a cool environment like a library or shopping centre. NSW Health’s Beat the Heat website has all the info on how to prepare for and survive heatwaves. 

People with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. For people with asthma, extreme heat can increase the risk of hospitalisation, asthma symptoms, poor lung function, and inflammation. People with asthma experience heat differently, with some more affected by hot humid air and others by hot dry air. If you have asthma, watch out for wheezing, sneezing, coughing, or chest tightness. These are signs that your asthma might be flaring up. Ensure you have an Asthma Action Plan and the medicines you have been prescribed to help you stay well during hot weather and all year round. 

We know that extreme heat also exacerbate inequality. People who are living below the poverty line, have long-term health issues, and/or are aged 65 years and older are the most vulnerable. One reason for this is that people on lower incomes may not be able to afford things like air conditioning, insulation, or rent in cooler suburbs. 

Sweltering Cities Summer Survey 

These are some of the issues that concern Sweltering Cities, Australia’s only national advocacy organisation dedicated to addressing extreme heat. They have declared 4 February as Extreme Heat Awareness Day to draw attention to this growing public health issue. 

Healthy Cities Australia is an Extreme Heat Awareness Day supporter. We invite you to take part in the Sweltering Cities Summer Survey – Australia’s biggest community survey on heat, health, and homes. 

Sweltering Cities want to know if you are:  

• leaving the house to go somewhere cooler 

• feeling sick, anxious, isolated… 

• concerned about high electricity bills 

• stuck in a hot home or workplace  

• dreading or avoiding taking public transport 

Your ideas for solutions to the heat are just as important as your experiences, this is your opportunity to share these too. The survey is open until the end of February 2026. 

Jump over to the Sweltering Cities Summer Survey to add your voice.