Heatwaves in Australia
Severe and extreme heatwaves have claimed more lives than any other natural hazard in Australia.
Heatwaves can be dangerous because they pose health risks to the most vulnerable. While older people and very young children are often the most vulnerable, extreme heatwaves can affect anyone's health.
Heatwaves can also affect the transport, agriculture and energy sectors and associated infrastructure. This includes interruptions to cooling and refrigeration.
In this section, explore:
- the definition of a heatwave and how they are classified – see What is a heatwave?
- our heatwave services, including heatwave warnings and forecasts.
It takes more than one hot day to make a heatwave