NT Health

Extreme heat health alert issued across Northern Territory

8 December 2022

NT Health is issuing an extreme heat health warning with high temperatures expected across Darwin and the rural area, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and surrounding areas.
 
The NT is currently experiencing severe to extreme heat with an Emergency Health Warning issued for the Arnhem, Barkly, Carpentaria, Daly, Gregory and Tanami districts from today and into the weekend. A Watch and Act alert has been issued for the Tiwi district.

Extreme heat warnings form part of a new Australian Warning System and are issued when maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to be unusually hot over a three-day period.

Forecast minimum and maximum temperatures are also compared to the long-term history of a location as well as temperatures over the last 30 days.

NT Health encourages all residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions to avoid heat stress (also known as heat stroke) and dehydration.

To avoid heat related illness the community should:
•    Stay cool in air-conditioning where possible or seek out shady areas with a breeze
•    Drink cold or iced water
•    Decrease physical activity
•    Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose clothes and a wide-brimmed hat
•    Get into cold water or apply cold substances to the body
•    Use fans and damp towels if you don’t have air-conditioning

Symptoms of heat stress:
•    Tiredness and lethargy
•    Headache
•    Dizziness or fainting
•    Confusion leading to poor decision making
•    Muscle cramps
•    Feeling thirsty
•    Urinating less often

People who feel they may be suffering from heat stress should take immediate action to bring their temperature down. If symptoms persist, they should seek medical advice. If they are worried, they should call triple zero (000) immediately. 

For more information on extreme heat visit https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/heat-stress.

For more information on heatwaves visit the Bureau's heatwave knowledge centre Heatwave Service for Australia.

Quotes attributed to Dr Jacqueline Murdoch, Acting Chief Health Officer, NT Health: 

“In Australia, extreme heat results in more community deaths than bushfires, floods, cyclones, and severe storms combined.

“Even the most acclimatised NT residents can be affected by heat stress, with an increased body temperature having potentially serious or even fatal effects.

“It’s important Territorians and visitors are prepared and take action to avoid heat related illness. Ensure you and your family have access to cool water and make sure you take care of those who are vulnerable or isolated as well as your pets and animals.”